This chapter uses innovative visual methods and arts-based research methods (ABRMs) along with participant observations to explore the gendered, racial, and class-based experiences of young Indo-Fijian women in sports. The chapter investigates the societal expectations, stereotypes, and barriers they face, shaped by patriarchal and matriarchal power structures, historical marginalisation, and intergenerational trauma. Using photo elicitation, participant-generated free verses, and reflexive field observations of four young Indo-Fijian women, the chapter adopts a methodologically original approach, culminating in the short story ‘Jumping Hurdles in a Frock.’ Written in the third person, this narrative incorporates direct speech, Fiji-Hindi, Fijian slang, and cultural references to authentically capture the young women’s voices. It highlights their resistance to traditional norms, racial stereotypes, and societal objectification, particularly in young Indo-Fijian women’s pursuit of sports like rugby and soccer, which are traditionally considered as male (and iTaukei) domains. Despite restrictive traditional gender norms, limited family support, and racialised stereotypes, sporty young Indo-Fijian women challenge expectations of femininity, physicality, and athleticism through their resilience and determination. This chapter advocates for inclusive PE lessons that ensure equitable access to contact sports, such as rugby, as well as sports traditionally associated with boys, like soccer, and culturally relevant physical activities like dance and yoga. By expanding opportunities for all genders and races, this study challenges and aims to redefine the gender, racial, and social-class hierarchies that have long restricted marginalised groups in Fiji and the diaspora from participating in sports, physical activity, and leisure.

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Gender, Race, and Class: Lived Experiences of Young Sporty South Asian Women in the Global South Diaspora

  • Rohini Balram

摘要

This chapter uses innovative visual methods and arts-based research methods (ABRMs) along with participant observations to explore the gendered, racial, and class-based experiences of young Indo-Fijian women in sports. The chapter investigates the societal expectations, stereotypes, and barriers they face, shaped by patriarchal and matriarchal power structures, historical marginalisation, and intergenerational trauma. Using photo elicitation, participant-generated free verses, and reflexive field observations of four young Indo-Fijian women, the chapter adopts a methodologically original approach, culminating in the short story ‘Jumping Hurdles in a Frock.’ Written in the third person, this narrative incorporates direct speech, Fiji-Hindi, Fijian slang, and cultural references to authentically capture the young women’s voices. It highlights their resistance to traditional norms, racial stereotypes, and societal objectification, particularly in young Indo-Fijian women’s pursuit of sports like rugby and soccer, which are traditionally considered as male (and iTaukei) domains. Despite restrictive traditional gender norms, limited family support, and racialised stereotypes, sporty young Indo-Fijian women challenge expectations of femininity, physicality, and athleticism through their resilience and determination. This chapter advocates for inclusive PE lessons that ensure equitable access to contact sports, such as rugby, as well as sports traditionally associated with boys, like soccer, and culturally relevant physical activities like dance and yoga. By expanding opportunities for all genders and races, this study challenges and aims to redefine the gender, racial, and social-class hierarchies that have long restricted marginalised groups in Fiji and the diaspora from participating in sports, physical activity, and leisure.