Abstract

HORMIGA SANCHEZ, Claudia Milena. Gender Perspective in the Study of Physical Activity. Rev. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2015, vol.13, n.2, pp.233-248. ISSN 1692-7273.  https://doi.org/10.12804/revsalud13.02.2015.08.

There is strong evidence on the benefits of physical activity on human health, however, much of the world's population does not practice it in line with the recommendations. Epidemiological studies have shown that women, people with lower socioeconomic status and ethnic groups report less physical activity. Despite these inequalities, the role of gender in physical activity has been little explored. Objective: To reflect on the relevance of gender perspective in the study of physical activity, taking its relevance as a reference in the study of health. Methodology: Review of Latin American theoretical contributions of some feminist authors, which are relevant to the study of physical activity. Results: The gender perspective enables a greater understanding of physical activity, because it guides the inquiry into aspects little investigated by the traditional approach to his study, in which physical activity is understood as an individual responsibility, ignoring that gender as a system social organization imposes unequal power relations that influence physical activity and any decision regarding to health. Thus, issues such as work, time use, the body, discourses on the movement and beauty become relevant for understanding physical activity as a lifestyle.

Keywords : Physical activity; gender; feminism.

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