Power relations in competitive, non-elite artistic gymnastics: exploring gender disparities in artistic gymnastics in England.

Gymnastics continues to be a highly popular sport particularly with children and those participating at a non-elite level. However, little is known about this cohort’s experience. The culture of the sport indicates that there are various control mechanisms to ensure compliant gymnasts, from closed training sessions, what the gymnasts wear, and high levels of discipline expected as the norm, with the coach controlling the decisions that are made within this context. The gymnast’s bodies and behaviours are therefore highly visible to the observing coaches.

Foucault’s (1977) theory of power, specifically the concept of disciplinary power in its creation of ‘docile’ bodies, alongside the notion of the panopticon in the surveillance of gymnasts will be applied as a theorical framework. This study will explore non-elite, competitive gymnasts’ experiences of power relations within the gym, comparing the experiences of male and female gymnasts using a variety of methods, from story completion to observations and group and individual interviews.

Furthermore, there will be an examination of potential power relations that the gymnasts are exposed to within the training and competition environment. Questioning and potentially identifying power relations, alongside exploring if these relations are gender specific, may allow a greater awareness of the issues within gymnastics in England and encourage future discussions on the culture of grassroot gymnastics clubs. Alongside providing evidence to support British Gymnastics to continue to enhance and develop their training and safeguarding for a volunteer workforce, benefiting the junior participants by providing positive experiences within a beneficial environment. Furthermore, this research could contribute towards practice through the greater understanding of current competitive, non-elite gymnasts’ experiences.

References:
Foucault, M. (1977) Discipline and punish: the birth of the prison. Allen Lane.