Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health Promotion

Supervisor

Howe, P. David

2nd Supervisor

Silva, Carla Filomena

Co-Supervisor

Abstract

Purpose: This study will illuminate the experiences of young Muslim women studying at Western University regarding physical activity by exploring the intersectionality of sociocultural factors influencing their engagement with physical activity. Methods: Eleven participants were recruited using purposeful and snowball sampling. Individual, semi-structured, episodic interviews with the participants were conducted. Data was analyzed thematically using an abductive approach. NVivo software was used in the coding process. Critical Race Feminism and Orientalism were the theoretical frameworks used to frame interview guide and interpret research findings. Findings: It was found that religious teachings, ethnic background, and social support shape young Muslim women’s experiences with physical activity, influencing their identities and access to physical activity spaces. Significance of Research: This research uncovers and provides a deeper understanding of Muslim women’s experiences, of their experiences, offering important information in designing physical activity interventions that meet the needs of this demographic, reducing the risk of inactivity, and promoting inclusive and diverse physical activity spaces for them.

Summary for Lay Audience

Imagine you want to participate in your favorite sport or exercise at the gym; however, you might be unable to do so because you do not have access to sports facilities or opportunities that meet your needs. Statistics from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2018-2019) show low engagement in physical activity among Canadians; however, subpopulations, such as Muslims and other minority groups, are at an even higher risk of physical inactivity due to factors such as inadequate opportunities. This state of affairs increases the risk of chronic and mental health conditions associated with inactivity. Therefore, the research study aims to uncover the experiences of young Muslim women studying at Western University to explore the intersectionality of sociocultural factors influencing their experiences with physical activity. The data was collected using qualitative methods, and individual interviews were conducted with the eleven participants recruited in the study. The data was analyzed, and common themes regarding their experiences of accessing physical activity were generated. It was found that religious teachings, ethnic background, and social support influence young Muslim women’s experiences with physical activity. Most young Muslim women agreed that religious practices encouraged them to engage in physical activity. The participants had different experiences with cultural norms as it had a positive influence for some, no influence, or negative influence for others. It was found that these young Muslim women are continuously challenged if they want to maintain their religious, ethnic, gendered, and physically active identities in physical activity spaces. However, having a supportive social network and inclusive spaces made it easier for young Muslim women to engage in physical activity and maintain their religious, ethnic, gendered, and physically active identities when engaging in physical activity spaces. The participants practiced a form of resistance to challenge distorted narratives about their engagement in physical activity and to advocate for inclusive environments. It is essential to uncover Muslim women’s experiences regarding physical activity so that physical activity opportunities that are accessible and inclusive of Muslim women may be developed.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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