ABSTRACT
School settings are considered a prime site for constructing understandings of the individual body in terms of not only gendered identity but also its ‘ability’ to take part and continue into adult sport. This chapter incorporates research with young children and adults about perceptions of sport, as well as discussion of the role that school physical education plays in reinforcing particular gendered stereotypes. It is suggested that the experiences of physical education in schools play a signifi cant part in the overall construction of young peoples’ sporting identities by continuing to expect and celebrate specifi c performances of masculinity (expressed through the body) at the expense of other formulations.
