Strava is From Mars, Parkrun is From Venus: Gendered Experiences of Running, Well-being and Motivation

Tulle, E., McKendrick, J. and Bowness, J. (2019) Strava is From Mars, Parkrun is From Venus: Gendered Experiences of Running, Well-being and Motivation. World Congress of Sociology of Sport 2019, Dunedin, New Zealand, 24-27 Apr 2019.

Abstract

Strava propose an App with GPS functionality to track and record performance, and to share it with followers. It acts as a network hub for groups and clubs to meet up and communicate. It also provides training plans. Parkrun proposes free, 5km-timed running events weekly which are run by local volunteers in public parks. Both parkrun and Strava are open to all runners irrespective of ability, unlike traditional ‘physical’ clubs. They propose modes of participation using a language of ‘community’, happiness and motivation to initiate take up and foster staying power. We were commissioned by Strava to conduct a survey of UK runners who had linked their Strava and parkrun accounts to explore whether the narrative of PA participation as community-making would enhance well-being and happiness. Happiness and well-being were operationalised using a range of standard measures to enable us to compare results with population-level data. We also used other measures, such as identity, self-confidence and body image. In this presentation we will explore interesting gender effects present in the data, with respect to modes of use of Strava and parkrun, confidence and body image. These appear to reflect gender norms in running, the evaluation of appropriate physical capital and the assessment of happiness.

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

Related URLs

• Organisation