The present study focuses on the demographic and labor characteristics of coaches in Spain. Kanter’s theory on occupational sex segregation will be used as a guiding framework. The study was conducted with 1685 coaches (82.3% men and 17.7% women) from different sports and performance domains. The results show that there is an underrepresentation of women as coaches in Spain and data highlight that coaches’ gender is related to three structural factors: opportunity, power, and proportion. The present data reveal that women are younger, less likely to be in a marriage-like relationship, less likely to have children, and more likely to have competed at a high level as an athlete when compared to their male counterparts. However, fewer women than men access and participate in coach education in Catalonia and the working status of women was different to that of men. To expand, women worked less hours, were more likely to be assistant coaches, and had less years of coaching experience. Understanding of how gender influences women’s access, progression, and retention in coaching in Spain illustrates the need for gender sport policies and practices in sport organizations. This approach can benefit not only women, but the diversity and enrichment of the coaching system.
This research is the first to provide insights into the experiences of gay men studying a university degree in Physical Activity and Sport Science (PASS) in Spain. Drawing on Bourdieu’s categories, one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 PASS students and ex-students that were subsequently studied through deductive-inductive thematic analysis. Our findings show the PASS context to be a heteronormative, masculinised and cisgender social field. Male homosexuality was almost invisible except when antigay language was used. Considering this environment, most of our interviewees chose to remain in the closet, which contributed to low levels of wellbeing and high levels of stress and anxiety. However, the few students that chose to come out experienced relief and felt included by some of their classmates and by staff. Discussed are key aspects of the dominant culture in PASS faculties and the repercussions for the mental health and wellbeing of gay students. Our research also provides new insights into the nature and prevalence of microaggressions regarding sexual orientation that will help PASS and university management develop specific strategies and programmes to foster inclusivity.
While there are several studies showing the importance of social sustainability in different settings (e.g., Democracy and Governance: the Role of Sport Governing Bodies, urban planning, architecture) there is a lack of studies investigating social sustainability in the sports coaching profession, and even less research has specifically addressed women coaches. Using Barron and Gauntlett’s model of social sustainability (2002), the purpose of this study was to analyze the women coaches’ experiences of their profession and the extent to which it is a sustainable livelihood for women coaches. Semi-structured interviews with 20 women coaches were conducted from a variety of sports and performance levels. From a social sustainability perspective, the women coaches’ experiences were analyzed using Barron and Gauntlett’s principles of equity, diversity, interconnectedness, and democracy and governance to ascertain their quality of life. Our findings reveal that women coaches face multiple barriers and difficult working conditions in their profession, yet they continue to be committed to coaching largely because of the strong positive interpersonal relationships and social interactions they have with their sporting community. This study shines a light on the extent to which coaching is a livable and sustainable profession for women coaches today and highlights the importance of considering social sustainability principles to improve the experiences of women in the sports coaching profession.
In recent decades, increasing emphasis has been placed on the role of universities in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. Higher education strategies such as critical feminist service-learning (CFSL) can help achieve true university-community engagement to achieve social good while allowing students to develop academic competencies, values, and social responsibility. This study analyzes the impact of a university physical activity–based CFSL project implemented at a woman’s prison. The study combined quantitative and qualitative research methods. Eighty-one students (24 women and 57 men) participated in the project over the 3 years in which it was run (2017–2018, 2018–2019, and 2019-2020). Aspects related to the four principles of CFSL were analyzed using data collected from questionnaires and reflective learning journals completed by the students and a semi-structured interview with the prison sports instructor. Our findings show that participating in the project brought about significant changes in students’ beliefs and preconceptions about prisons, and helped them to develop their critical awareness. They also show that the project strengthened the collaborative relationship between the establishments and agents involved. In conclusion, CFSL is a powerful higher education strategy that can be used to show future educators and practitioners how sport and physical activity can drive social justice and contribute to the achievement of the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
18 April 2023 in UCJC Business and Society Review (formerly known as Universia Business Review)
Esta investigación pretende aportar datos para determinar en que medida el feedback influye en la motivación y en el rendimiento. Para la realización del experimento se ha contado con una muestra de 256 estudiantes universitarios de los grados de marketing y de educación física, elegidos por muestreo probabilístico estratificado. Se ha pedido a los participantes que realicen una tarea que han tenido que repetir en tres fases diferentes. Con los datos resultantes se constata que hay una relación directa entre la información que se ofrece y el nivel de satisfacción con la tarea realizada y con la motivación. Un feedback de calidad es generador de motivación, en tanto que la ausencia de información o incluso información errónea genera desafección. Se observa también que el feedback no solo influye en aspectos psicológicos (motivación) sino que es explicativo del rendimiento. Esta investigación pretende potenciar el compromiso del profesional de la educación y del directivo para que asuma con rigor (nunca de manera rutinaria) la responsabilidad de aportar un feedback objetivo y constructivo.