¿The practice of physical and sports activity in the Central University of Ecuador is masculinized?

Abstract

Masculinity is a social construct determined by family, school and society. In these instances, attitudes socially accepted, roles, and responsibilities are learned, according to the condition of being male. Not all men have the same behaviors defined as masculine, and not all women lack those traits. The objective of this study is to analyze whether the practice of physical activity of students of the Central University of Ecuador is masculinized. The methodology is qualitative with an interpretative approach. The data collection technique is a narrative-semi-structured interview that allows for understanding the problem from the perspective of its protagonists. The informants are 300 students from all areas of study at the Central University of Ecuador. The Aquad 6 software is used for data processing, which enables category relationships and draws conclusions. The results show the masculinization of the practice of physical and sports activities of students at the Central University of Ecuador. Football is the most practiced sport becoming a privileged area for the construction of traditional hegemonic masculinity. Early intervention is needed through knowledge, reflection and interaction practices that change sexist and stereotyped behaviors in students' Physical Activity Practices. This implies a deep social and personal awareness, reflected in physical activity projects and the media.