SOCIAL GENDER EQUALITY IN THE FIELD OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS

Abstract

Social gender, class, race, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, political views, culture, physical disability, age, and many other factors represent interrelations reflected at the macro level through sport and at the micro level through physical education classes, which serve the function of reproducing prevailing societal values and transmitting them from generation to generation. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that physical education and sport can transcend traditional practices woven with social gender codes to become a field that ensures equality, embraces diversity, and opens the door to change. The formation of such a comprehensive and inclusive structure is only possible through the re-interpretation and reconsideration of educational components - curriculum, educational environment, teachers, learning materials, school administration, parents - overcoming gender discrimination. In other words, physical education and sports activities can be restructured to a level that provides social gender equality and justice. Thus, the individual is enabled to discover their body, freely express their thoughts, and comfortably exhibit their physical practices. Otherwise, physical education and sport may remain fields hosting many forms of discrimination such as sexism.