In the wake of the global pandemic, a profound exploration of its impact on women within the sport and fitness sector has unfolded. This journey, led by scholars Holly Thorpe, Allison Jeffrey, Simone Fullagar, and Adele Pavlidis, delves into how women, facing the disruptions wrought by COVID-19, have forged connections surpassing the human realm. This blog post unravels the unique experiences of 17 sport and fitness professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand, capturing the essence of their response through interviews, and weaving a tapestry that blends theory, embodiment, and the intersection of human and nonhuman forces.
Beyond Human Boundaries
Embracing More-Than-Human Connections
The narrative embarks on a journey beyond traditional human-centric perspectives, shedding light on the dynamic shift towards more-than-human connections. In the sport and fitness sector, women actively embrace technology, the environment, and objects to foster connections that transcend the ordinary, creating a tapestry of interactions that extend far beyond the boundaries of human engagement.
Feminist Perspectives
Dismantling Biomedical Norms
An exploration into feminist materialisms, with nods to luminaries like Barad, Braidotti, and Bennett, guides the discourse away from conventional biomedical approaches to wellbeing. The lens widens to encompass a multifaceted understanding of wellbeing, acknowledging the myriad influences, including the often-overlooked nonhuman elements, that shape the health narrative.
The Dance of Forces
Relational Understanding
At the core of this exploration is a call for a relational understanding of the intricate forces shaping women's wellbeing in the pandemic era. Integrating theoretical frameworks with firsthand narratives from interviews, the authors navigate a complex interplay of affective, material, cultural, technological, and environmental forces, creating a nuanced portrait of the multifaceted challenges and triumphs.
A Paradigm Shift
Redefining Wellbeing
The authors propose a seismic shift away from the confines of biomedical formulations, urging for a holistic and inclusive perspective. This paradigm shift is crucial for unraveling a more comprehensive understanding of women's health during a time characterized by disruption and uncertainty.
Embodied Wisdom
The Wisdom of the Body
The analysis takes a deep dive into embodied ways of knowing, uncovering layers of understanding that paint wellbeing as a more-than-human entanglement. Acknowledging the embodied experiences of women in the sport and fitness sector, the exploration emphasizes the delicate negotiation of affective, material, cultural, technological, and environmental forces shaping their wellbeing.
Gendered Realities
Acknowledging Uniqueness
The paper recognizes the gendered nuances of wellbeing reconceptualization, offering insight into the distinctive challenges and experiences faced by women during the pandemic. By focusing on women within the sport and fitness sector, the narrative sheds light on how gender dynamics intersect with broader forces during times of upheaval.
In Closing
A Tapestry of Understanding
In conclusion, this paper adds a unique thread to the evolving discourse on wellbeing. It paints a vivid picture, offering a gendered and more-than-human perspective by intricately weaving theoretical insights with embodied experiences. Through this exploration, the authors articulate a nuanced understanding of how women in the sport and fitness sector navigate the challenges of COVID-19, underscoring the significance of embracing both human and nonhuman elements in discussions surrounding health and wellbeing.
コメント