COMPASSIONATE SPORT BODIES: EXPLORING RACIALIZED YOUNG WOMEN ATHLETES’ INTERSECTING IDENTITIES AND BODY-RELATED SPORT EXPERIENCES
Date
2024-03-15
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5077-6769
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Doctoral
Abstract
Body image is an important part of women athletes’ sport experiences. The perception of one’s athletic body may be different for people of racialized backgrounds playing sport in Western society. However, body self-compassion, a kind and non-judgemental attitude towards one’s body, has been linked to more positive body image. My research program comprised of three interrelated studies aimed at exploring the body-related sport experiences of racialized young women athletes in Canada. In Study 1, I focused on the identity and body-related sport experiences of racialized young women athletes. Employing a qualitative description strategy of inquiry, Study 1 involved eight racialized young women athletes (ages 14–18 years), who engaged in one-on-one interviews and reflexive photography. A reflexive thematic analysis identified three overarching themes—(a) Who I am vs who they say I am; (b) My unique body in sport; and (c) The importance of representation. Through reflexive thematic analysis, I identified that intersectionality, discrimination, and diversity are critical factors influencing the quality of sport experiences for racialized young women athletes in Canada. Building upon Study 1, Study 2 focused on body self-compassion, exploring its potential benefits for racialized young women athletes in sport. This study involved eight racialized young women athletes (ages 14-18 years), adopting semi-structured one-on-one interviews and reflexive photography. Following a reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were developed—(a) Representing my racialized body authentically; (b) Accepting my racialized body for performance; and (c) Understanding the attitudes and emotions about my racialized body. Despite the unique challenges racialized young women athletes may have in sport, my findings in Study 2 suggested that body self-compassion fosters body acceptance, emphasizing the importance of promoting a compassionate approach to the body in sport for a more inclusive and accepting environment. Study 3 took a narrative approach, exploring the practical application of body self-compassion with seven racialized young women athletes (ages 13-18years). Using focus group discussions and body mapping, this study developed three overarching narrative themes—(a) Racialization and compassion; (b) The importance of compassionate support systems; and (c) Culture, religion, and sport. Presented through creative non-fiction, Study 3’s findings, represented through five portrait vignettes, demonstrated how body self-compassion can nurture a focus on function. This study highlights that for athletes navigating the complex intersections of racialization, cultural backgrounds, and religious beliefs, body self-compassion could help foster a more positive body image. Collectively, my studies contribute valuable insights to the understanding of the sports experiences of racialized young women athletes, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate approach that honors their multifaceted identities within the sport context.
Description
Keywords
Racialized, women athletes, identity, intersectionality, social justice, race, ethnicity, qualitative, culture, gender
Citation
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Kinesiology
Program
Kinesiology