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WSI International Conference
Physical Activity and Health Guidelines
for Women: National and International Considerations Related to
Ethnicity and Race
St. Louis, USA, June 2, 2002
Group 2 Report - Task: Establish a research
agenda for Social Sciences issues:
What are the most pressing research
needs?
PHASE 1: DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS
Given that we lack data on the current state, the first phase would
involve gathering descriptive information on the questions listed
below. We also acknowledged that the research methodologies would
vary across cultures to reflect different communication modes, ways
of interacting with women, etc. The questions of interest are as
follows:
1. Who is Doing What?
What are women doing in terms of physical activity? This analysis
must include activities that range along a continuum from structured
sports to recreation, domestic tasks and activity required for transportation.
Language and conceptual definitions (i.e. structured physical activity
versus domestic activities) must be considered in this analysis.
2. What are the Health Benefits of
the Alternative Forms of Physical Activity?
While we may know of the health benefits of various structured physical
activities, we know little of the health implications associated
with domestic and transport activities.
3. What is the Level of Health Awareness?
What do women know about health, the antecedents and correlates
of good/poor health? Furthermore, what is their level of awareness
with respect to the health benefits of physical activity?
4. What is the Meaning of Physical
Activity?
How is physical activity perceived amongst various groups of women?
What does it mean to them?
5. How Are Resources Distributed?
How are the resources, ranging from financial to facilities, equipment,
administrative support, and personnel, distributed?
6. How Are Structures Organized According
to Gender?
An analysis of structures along gender lines is needed. For example,
are women in positions of coaching, sport administration, etc.?
PHASE 2: ANALYSIS OF MOBILIZING
AND INHIBITORY FACTORS
This phase would be designed to identify the factors that both
enable and/or motivate women to participate in physical activity
as well as the factors that inhibit participation. The factor viewed
as the most important is that of safety, both at the structural
and personal levels. Within the community there are issues related
to crime and violence. Within the actual sport or exercise setting,
violence in the form of harassment needs to be addressed. Unless
women feel safe, they will not engage in physical activity, regardless
of being aware of the health benefits of activity and available
facilities and support systems.
Some other mobilizing factors would include appropriate leadership
from women, the experience of pleasure or enjoyment associated with
activity, and positive attitudes towards being active. Other factors
will undoubtedly arise with further study.
Summarized by Gretchen Kerr, Canada
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