Analyzing Body Techniques, Performance Enhancement, and Gender Barriers in Sports

The Body, Performance, and Social Control in Athletics

Body Transformations and the Instrumental Relationship

The transformations considered by their relationship with the instrumental use of the body can be divided into three categories:

• Therapeutic
• Non-therapeutic
• Flattering (performance enhancement)

It is crucial to recognize the fine line between drug therapy used when an athlete is sick and assistance that merely flatters or enhances performance.

The Body as an Instrument of Social Action

The body, as an instrument of action on human society, utilizes various techniques. All techniques of the body may be subject to considerations that interpret them as repressive actions on the individual.

Techniques of the body that require adaptation, such as body modifiers, can be viewed as forms of repression against the spontaneity of action and free expression. Social groups often form based on this supposed uniformity and the assignment of individual freedom repression.

Gender Issues and Barriers in Athletic Performance

These problems are based on a particular conception of gender that manifests in the following challenges for female athletes:

1. A model set, usually masculine.
2. The need to reconcile family and member roles.
3. Increased level requirements to achieve the same recognition as men.
4. Assimilation of behaviors identified with men for success.

Analyzing Barriers Faced by Female Athletes

Biological Barriers

• Morphological Differences: Variations in body structure.
• Physical Performance: Differences in baseline physical capacity.
• Maternity: The impact of pregnancy and childbirth on athletic careers.
• Response to Intense Organic Exercise: Unique physiological responses.
• Response to Doping: Different metabolic and hormonal reactions.
• Different Body Concept: Societal and personal perceptions of the female athletic body.

Sociocultural Barriers

• Social Allocation to Male Sports: The perception that certain sports are inherently masculine.
• Differences in Social and Economic Recognition: Lower visibility and pay compared to male counterparts.
• Limitations of Time: Difficulty combining training with family roles.
• Absence of a Sporting Role Model for Women: Lack of visible female athletic figures.
• Religion: Restrictions imposed by religious beliefs on participation or attire.

Sports Barriers (Laws, Regulations, and Infrastructure)

• Laws and Regulations: Rules that may disadvantage female athletes.
• Spaces, Plant, and Equipment: Infrastructure designed primarily for the male sports model.
• Models of Practice: Schedules and level of dedication often based on male availability.
• Coaches: Predominance of male coaches.

Educational Barriers

• Models of Practice: Curricula closer to male interests.
• Under Expectations of Success: Lower expectations set by parents and teachers.