Doing and undoing gender in physical education and youth sport: the potential for practice

Abstract

This chapter provides an academic review of the literature on gendered practices in physical education (PE) and explores the concept of doing and undoing gender within this educational setting. The concept of doing gender refers to the process of maintaining, reproducing, and legitimising institutional arrangements and practices based on sex categories. The production and reproduction of gender in PE have been extensively studied, revealing the significant role of pedagogical and organisational practices in conveying and reinforcing dominant gender norms and discourses. The chapter concludes by discussing implications for future PE practices, such as reconfiguring activities traditionally attributed to specific genders, incorporating student voice in curriculum choices, and exploring the potential benefits of coeducational classes. These recommendations aim to foster a more inclusive and equitable PE environment that allows young people to explore and express their gender identities freely.