Determinants of Active Leisure for Women with Young Children—an “Ethic of Care” Prevails

TLDR

Women, especially mothers, are less likely to engage in physically active leisure due to gendered social expectations and role pressures. The study examined determinants of active leisure among mothers of young children via in-depth interviews with 12 purposively sampled participants differing in partner support, activity level, and socioeconomic status. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 12 mothers to gather qualitative data on factors influencing active leisure. Household norms around gendered time negotiation and an ethic of care were key determinants of active leisure participation, suggesting that addressing these issues could promote greater physical activity among women. Keywords: leisure, physical activity, women, motherhood; funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care via NSW Health.

Abstract

Women are significantly less likely than men to participate in physically active leisure. Women with children are less likely to participate in active leisure compared with women who do not have children. Social pressure to fulfil the role of being a good mother has been suggested in discussions regarding constraints to physical activity as has the use of leisure engagement as a means of challenging social expectations and structured gender relations. This study explored determinants of active leisure participation through in-depth interviews with 12 heterosexual mothers of young children who were purposively sampled with contrasting levels of partner support, physical activity, and socioeconomic status. The findings suggested that household norms relating to gender-based time negotiation and ideologies regarding an ethic of care were important determinants of active leisure among women with young children. A better understanding of these issues could be important in the development of strategies for promoting greater participation in physical activity among women. Keywords: leisurephysical activitywomenmotherhood Acknowledgements The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care provided funding to NSW Health to commission this research. We are grateful to all the women who contributed their precious time and personal stories for this study.