Reflexões sobre as barreiras e as potencialidades da participação feminina nas aulas de Educação Física escolar

Abstract

This study sought to analyze the factors that influence female students' participation in Physical Education classes. A questionnaire was administered to 70 students in the final years of elementary school at two public schools in the municipality of Campos Sales, Ceará. The thematic analysis revealed that the barriers are cultural, social, and familial, reflecting historically constructed gender stereotypes. This dynamic is evident when 81.5% reported family prejudice against their participation in physical activities, and 53.7% reported that their families do not encourage physical activities. Physical Education in schools, when based on coeducational and diverse practices, can act as a strategic space for addressing gender inequalities.