Boys, Masculinities and PE

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study which aimed to explore boys' perceptions and experiences of school-based physical education (PE) and involvement in extra-curricular and out-of-school physical activities. Drawing on group and individual interviews with 22 15-year-old boys in four inner-city comprehensive schools, it explores the nature, purposes and experiences of their physical education involvement both in and out of school. The data collected highlighted the need both to explore and to deconstruct the concept of a dominant hegemonic masculinity. Boys are generally 'censorious' of others who resist and spoil PE lessons. Games, sport and physical activity are shaped by masculine identities and are mediated by diverse processes that involve staff competence, pupil friendship networks, class membership and ethnic identity.