Towards south-south comparative feminist inquiry: ‘Patriarchal varieties’ and women’s subversive strategies in/through sports in Fiji and Brazil
A summary of the research:
This research explores the experiences of women playing historically male-dominated sports in two postcolonial countries, Fiji and Brazil, focusing on women's rugby and women's football, respectively. The main goal was to understand how different forms of male dominance, called "varieties of patriarchy," in these societies affect how women challenge and overcome barriers to playing sports. The study shifts away from only comparing Global South experiences to those in the Global North and instead looks at differences within the Global South, aiming to provide more specific insights into women's agency and resistance. It uses case studies to highlight the diverse ways women navigate their sporting journeys in complex social and historical settings.
The study reveals that women in Fiji and Brazil use different approaches to push back against patriarchal barriers in their sports. Fijian women rugby players tend to use a more "implicit" form of feminism, often through silent and persistent defiance outside of formal political action, due to strong cultural traditions, militarism, and high rates of gender-based violence that discourage open protest. In contrast, Brazilian women footballers have engaged in a more "explicit sporting feminism," increasingly aligning with the country's strong feminist movements and public campaigns against gender-based violence, supported by Brazil's diverse society and history of grassroots activism. Both groups, however, have successfully used their sporting achievements and national pride to gain recognition and challenge traditional gender roles.
Here are three practical and actionable takeaways from the article's results for coaches and administrators in women's soccer:
Tailor Support and Advocacy to Local Cultural Contexts: The study highlights that Fijian women use "silent counter-hegemony" due to strong cultural traditionalism and a "culture of silence" around gender issues, while Brazilian women engage in more "explicit" activism supported by a history of grassroots feminist movements. This means coaches and administrators should understand the specific cultural and social norms in their region or community. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting female athletes or advocating for gender equality, they should find strategies that resonate locally. This might involve empowering players to make gradual, less overt changes in more traditional settings, or actively engaging with and leveraging existing feminist organizations and public campaigns in contexts where explicit advocacy is more accepted.
Prioritize Creating Safe and Supportive Environments for Players: The article notes the high prevalence of gender-based violence in Fiji, which limits women's ability to openly protest, and also details Brazil's strong feminist movements that led to significant legal tools against such violence. This implies that player safety and well-being must be a top priority. Coaches and administrators should actively work to create a safe space within their teams and clubs, free from harassment or violence, both on and off the field. This could involve establishing clear codes of conduct, providing resources or connections to support services for players experiencing violence, and educating staff and players on issues of gender-based violence and respectful conduct.
Strategically Leverage Sporting Success for Broader Impact: Both Fijian women's rugby and Brazilian women's football have used their international successes (like Olympic medals or World Cup bids) to challenge patriarchal norms, gain public support, and increase visibility for women in sport. Coaches and administrators should recognize the power of athletic achievement as a tool for social change and advocacy. They should actively promote their teams' successes, linking them to national or community pride, to garner greater institutional support, media attention, and fan engagement. This visibility can then be leveraged to advocate for better funding, resources, professionalization, and overall gender equality within the sport, understanding that even sporadic high-performance success can create transformative potential.
Authors: Yoko Kanemasu & Jorge Knijnik
You can read the entire article here.
