Gender Equity in Human Movement: Understanding and Overcoming Sociocultural Barriers

The field of gender equity in human movement explores how behavioral, social, and cultural dynamics influence participation in physical activity, exercise, fitness, and sport. Despite decades of advocacy and policy reform, significant gender disparities persist, with women participating in physical activity at consistently lower rates than men across the globe. The roots of this inequity are complex, encompassing both overt and subtle influences such as entrenched gender stereotypes, restrictive cultural narratives, and historically constructed barriers that shape access and opportunity for women and girls. Recent research has highlighted how social environments, media portrayals, and family expectations continually impact women’s engagement in human movement, yet critical questions about how these factors interact and can be altered remain. Although progress has been made through targeted interventions and growing awareness, systemic issues—including structural and attitudinal barriers—continue to hinder the realization of gender parity in this domain.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the multifaceted determinants of gender disparities in human movement. By leveraging a multidisciplinary approach that draws from behavioral science, gender theory, and cultural analysis, this topic seeks to illuminate both barriers and facilitators that shape participation. Key objectives include identifying the mechanisms through which social norms and cultural patterns restrict access, evaluating the effectiveness of existing and emerging interventions, and proposing innovative, contextually appropriate solutions for policy and practice. Contributors are encouraged to address questions such as: What sociocultural forces most profoundly shape gender differences in physical activity? How can interventions be designed to dismantle long-standing inequities and empower women to participate fully in movement-related domains?To gather further insights in the global and intersectional dimensions of gender equity in human movement, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Historical and contemporary analyses of gender stereotypes in sport and physical activity• Behavioral determinants and motivational factors influencing women’s participation• The impact of socialization and media on perceived gender roles in active lifestyles• Effectiveness of policy initiatives and community programs promoting gender-inclusive movement• Intersectionality: exploring how ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and ability interact with gender in shaping movement participation• Strategies for overcoming institutional and cultural barriers to equity in human movement• Best practices in fostering inclusive, supportive environments for women and girls in various movement domains Topic editors: Stefania Toselli, Barbara Dennis Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79752/gender-equity-in-human-movement-understanding-and-overcoming-sociocultural-barriers