Creating Shifting and Narrowing Masculinity Hierarchies in Physical Education

• In Event: Creating Pedagogical Spaces for Social Justice Issues in Physical Education

Abstract

I examined one teacher’s pedagogical practices in three adventure physical education classes. This study focused on how one teacher’s pedagogical practices created shifting and narrowing masculinity hierarchies among boys. Data were collected with one teacher through 15 semi-structured interviews, 20 email interviews, 135 ninety-minute class observations, and two one-hour phone conversations over 15 weeks. Andy used two metaphorical bridges as mechanisms to create shifting and narrowing hierarchies among students: (1) Between boys and physical activity and (2) among boys in AdvPE. Data suggest that physical activity settings that create shifting and narrowing hierarchies can enhance boys’ perceptions of physical activity.

Author

• Amy Tischler, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse