Color/race inequalities in the availability of facilities for physical activities and sports in public elementary schools in Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate inequality in physical activity and sports facilities at Brazilian public elementary schools, according to percent of self-reported black students. Our results showed that schools from urban or rural areas with a higher percentage of enrollments of self-reported black students (>60%) presented fewer outdoor courtyards, sport court indoor and outdoor, playgrounds, dance studios, and materials for sports and recreation. These inequalities are a feature of racism, which is structural in Brazilian society and institutionalized in unfavorable conditions for engaging in physical activity and sports at public elementary schools where there is a higher number of black students.