ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a feminist analysis of physical education (PE) by critically examining its relationship to the reinforcement of images of 'femininity' and gender appropriate behaviour. It relies on the most commonly accepted definition where 'sex' refers to the biological aspects of being female or male and 'gender' to the social/cultural/psychological constructions of 'femininity' and 'masculinity'. The chapter considers whether PE reinforces images of 'femininity' through its structure and teaching. It looks at PE in its historical context, considering the 'traditions' of PE and the relationship of PE to ideologies of 'femininity' throughout its development. The chapter examines in detail the contemporary situation of PE in one local education authority. It also considers present policies and practice concentrating on an examination of commonsense assumptions around femininity, sexuality and physical ability which underpin the curriculum and influence the content, organization and teaching of PE.
