A debate about feminine bodies: To be woman in rhythmic gymnastics

Abstract

Based on observations and discourses of rhythmic gymnastics (GR) athletes and coaches, with ethnography as a methodological perspective, we discuss some of the multiple inscriptions on female bodies and some of their representations. Types of femininities are distinguished in that sport in which bodies are educated and present characteristics that help us reflect femininity patterns. The analyses in this study contribute to a debate about gender relations in sports, incorporation and reproduction of discourses referring to the female body, and the counterpoints between femininities and masculinities.