Ballet, gender and sexuality: a systematic review in the scopus and web of science databases

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to map the international scientific literature on the intersection between ballet and gender and sexuality through a systematic review and bibliometric analysis. The Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases were searched. First, the term ‘ballet’ combined with ‘gender’ was searched, and then a separate search was conducted using the term ‘ballet’ combined with ‘sexuality.’ The main issues detected by researchers concerning women in ballet was that they are not given the same opportunities to develop their creativity and agency as men and are absent from leadership positions. As for men, multiple analyses have been conducted regarding how they break gender barriers when they enter this environment, and the link between ballet and homosexuality is frequently discussed from a social perspective. This can make those who identify as heterosexual feel that they should emphasize their masculine characteristics so as not to be mistaken for homosexuals. However, there is a lack of tension from the perspective of ballet as a protection against heteronormativity for men considered deviant in the broader social logic.

KEYWORDS:

• Web of science
• scopus
• gender
• sexuality
• ballet

Authors’ contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Maria Thereza Oliveira Souza, Fabiana Della Giustina dos Reis, Bruno Pedroso and André Mendes Capraro. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Maria Thereza Oliveira Souza and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Financial or non-financial interests

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Araucaria Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development Support of the State of Paraná (grant number 47254) and by the Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES, acronym in Portuguese) (grant number 001). [

Notes on contributors

Maria Thereza Oliveira Souza

Maria Thereza Oliveira Souza: Graduation, master and Doctorate in Physical Education at Federal University of Parana (UFPR). Teacher in undergraduate in Physical Education course at the Uniandrade and at the Estadual University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG).

Bruno Pedroso

Bruno Pedroso: Graduation in Physical Education (UEPG). Master in Production Engineering (UTFPR). Doctorate in Physical Education (UNICAMP). Post-Doctorates in Quality of Life at Work, Bibliometric and Scientometric Studies and Technology Transfer (UTFPR), and Lecturer in Quality of Life (UEPG). Associate professor at the Department of Physical Education and permanent professor at the postgraduate programs in Applied Social Sciences and Health Sciences (UEPG), and at the Professional Master's in Inclusive Education in the National Network - PROFEI.

Fabiana Della Giustina Dos Reis

Fabiana Della Giustina dos Reis: Graduation and master in Physical Education at Federal University of Parana (UFPR).

André Mendes Capraro

André Mendes Capraro: Professor in undergraduate and postgraduate courses (master/doctorate) in Physical Education at the Federal University of Paraná. Master and Doctor in History by the same University.