Feminisms and Figurational Sociolo Contributions to Understandings of Sports, Physical Education and Sex/Gender

This paper seeks to examine the relationship between various sports feminisms and figurational sociology. A number of feminist and figurational contributions to understandings of sports, physical education and sex/gender are discussed, and their relative adequacy considered. The key differences between feminist and figurational approaches are highlighted, particularly in relation to the role of values in sociology. Particular attention is paid to the work of Scraton on physical education, and Hargreaves’s criticisms of figurational sociology are also addressed. Finally, the difficulties raised when attempts are made to synthesize these approaches are considered, via a critical examination of Maguire and Mansfield’s preliminary attempt at a synthesis of feminism and figurational sociology.