Pioneering Women: Gendered Experiences of the Masters Highland Games

Bowness, J. (2015) Pioneering Women: Gendered Experiences of the Masters Highland Games. BSA Annual Conference 2015, Glasgow, UK, 15-17 April 2015. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Previous sociological research into ageingathletes has yielded a richness of insights using concepts such as performance discourses, age habitus, narratives of ageing and counter discourses of ageing to capture the experiences of Master athletes. These contributions act as a challenge to the physiological gaze. The Masters Highland Games in particular presents a challenge to the discourse of decline prevalent in sport science. A sub-field of sport created soon after 2000, the Masters Highland Games has seen the growth of female competitors thanks in large part to population ageing and the creation of new age group categories. Whilst it has been slow, this increase in female participation now plays a significant part in the development of the Games. With improving technical competency these women experience increased physical capital. Nevertheless, a specific concern with the politics of gender in this new field has largely been neglected in favour of an understanding of the sociology of the genderless ageing body. To properly understand the experiences of these pioneering women in a largely male preserve, it is critical to examine the intersection of the ageing body, gendered experience and social structures latent in event organisation. Drawing on participant observation and interview data obtained from men and women, competitors and organisers, this research will shed new critical perspectives on various aspects of the experiences of women as well as men's attitudes towards women's participation in the Masters Highland Games.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Unpublished
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bowness, Dr James
• Authors: Bowness, J.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General); H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
• College/School: University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division