ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights how the intersections of different identity markers, namely gender, culture, and religion contribute to a diversity of experiences for a group of young women who are often viewed homogenously. Categorical approaches often lead to comparisons between groups and, in the case of sport, Physical Education (PE), and physical activity, in relation to recommended guidelines. Large scale evaluations of PE highlight participation differences between particular groups of students. The young women were acutely aware of how competence and physical ability could mark them out as different. Drawing on Hill Collins’ matrix of domination in the research enabled an analysis of the multiple layers of challenges South Asian, Muslim young women face in their involvement in PE. With many of the young women at Woodstock High choosing not to wear the hijab during PE, the importance of acknowledging the locally situated cultural requirements of Muslim communities to ensure all needs are met is emphasised.
