Female Students’ Perceptions on Physical Education and Sport Curriculum: A Case of Two Higher Learning Institutions in Masvingo, Zimbabwe
- December 26, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: Education, IJRISS, Physical Education
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue XII, December 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Jenet Mudekunye, Tafara Mufanechiya, Albert Mufanechiya
Robert Mugabe School of Education, Great Zimbabwe University, P.O. Box 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Abstract:- The aim of this study was to establish the influence of female students’ perceptions on their participation in Physical Education and Sport (PES) in higher learning institutions of Masvingo, Zimbabwe. The study employed a qualitative case study. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as data collection instruments. Data were presented in narrative form and analyses were done in line with the aim of the study. The sample comprised twenty female students who were purposively sampled from two institutions of higher learning. The study disclosed that the participation of female students in PES, in institutions of higher learning was, to a larger extent, influenced by stereotypical perceptions based on socialisation backgrounds, cultural norms and beliefs based on the idea that PES is for males, not females. The study also found that perceptions about injuries, muscularity and keeping up appearances in preparation for marriage contributed to the negative perceptions about PES participation amongst female students. The study, further revealed that some female students, though a minority group, had positive perceptions on their participation in PES and believed that PES participation empowered them, improved their self-esteem and helped them to live health lifestyles. The study recommended the need for government gender policies, conventions and declarations to focus on PES programs that might help change the perceptions of female students towards the development of their athletic potential. The study also suggested that institutions of higher learning introduce sensitisation programs where parents are involved as a way of transforming those perceptions that hinder the participation of female students in PES.
Key Words: participation, female students, Physical Education, sports, tertiary institutions
