Generational analysis of leisure time physical activity participation of women in Turkey


ÖZTÜRK P., KOCA ARITAN C.

LEISURE STUDIES, vol.38, no.2, pp.232-244, 2019 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 38 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/02614367.2019.1569112
  • Journal Name: LEISURE STUDIES
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.232-244
  • Keywords: Women, generation, gender, leisure time physical activity, socio-ecological model, MOTHERS, GIRLS
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the adolescent-period leisure time physical activity (LTPA) experiences of three generations of women within the framework of the socio-ecological model and feminist cultural studies. For this purpose, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 144 women from three generations (48 girls, 48 mothers of the girls, and 48 grandmothers of the girls) and subjected the data to thematic analysis using a constant comparison method. Four themes were organized to assess similarities and differences across three generations drawing on the socio-ecological model: 1) Changing the meaning of sports, LTPA and being active; 2) Social resources for participating in LTPA: From authoritarian to supportive parenting; 3) Doorsteps, streets and the four-walls; and finally: 4) Changing educational policy. The findings revealed that, in parallel with the multifaceted historical changes in Turkey, the individual, social, physical environment and political factors of socio-ecological model determine the women's LTPA participation differed throughout the generations. Results also showed that gendered relations continue to influence LTPA participation of women across the generations.