Women's agency and corporeality in equestrian sports: The case of female leisure horse-riders in tehran

Abstract

This study investigated Iranian female amateur riders' experiences and perceptions of horse riding in a sport arena largely appropriated by men. I suggest that women's participation in sport in Iran must be analyzed in the context of patriarchal culture in which gender is a defining factor in one's experiences and success, while social class may also affect access to certain types of sport by narrowing down investment capacities or using social distinction strategies and culturally assigning certain activities to a specific class. This study's significance is in providing understanding of women's position in leisure Equestrian sport as well as their position in sport culture in Iran. Findings from participant observation and interviews with female leisure riders showed that women took part in non-competitive equestrian activities in sports clubs. The stereotypical concept of femininity was a major obstacle for women to enter the sport arena because traditional gendered roles dominated perceptions of sport and limited physicality options. Involvement in equestrian activities provided a sense of distinction for the participants. I argue that movement towards a more equally appropriated sports arena requires changes in the traditional concepts of femininity/masculinity to challenge the male hegemony in culture and sports. Practicing gender equality in a small sport community might not be a source of radical change for Iranian female riders but it is a micro initiative by individuals to practice their agency desexualize the sport and challenge its machismo.