Identity, embodied culture and physical exercise

Abstract

The article has two closely connected aims. The first is to illuminate some embodied aspects of identity that might contribute to the understanding of the underrepresentation of girls with immigrant parents in sports clubs. The second, and most important aim, is to discuss some recent identity theories. Roughly speaking two approaches dominate studies of, and public debates on, the lives and identities of young girls with immigrant parents; hybridity and Creole identity perspectives on the one hand, and power perspectives addressing control and restrictions by parents and persons from power elites on the other. Advantages and problems with these perspectives are discussed in the light of stories about physical exercise told by girls with immigrant parents. Even though they provide some important insights, the two perspectives are criticized for lacking a grip of the non-reflexive parts of identities. The article concludes by suggesting that practice perspectives could contribute to a more complete understanding of the lives and identities of young minority girls.