Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40993709›Full record

ArticleInternational journal for equity in health2025

Perceived inequality in women's sports: a qualitative critical discourse analysis in the Iranian context.

Neda Sarabi, Neda Shiri, Mohsen Khezeli, Nader Rajabi-Gilan, Sajjad Narimani, Mehdi Khezeli

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Article in International journal for equity in health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

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1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Neda SarabiSocial Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Policy and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Neda ShiriStudents Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Mohsen KhezeliSocial Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Policy and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Nader Rajabi-GilanSocial Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Policy and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Sajjad NarimaniDepartment of Nursing and Midwifery, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
Mehdi KhezeliSocial Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Policy and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. khezelimehdi@yahoo.com.

Funding

Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences 4010690
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWomen around the world continue to face gender-based stereotypes in sports and physical activity. This study aimed to explore Iranian women’s perspectives and interpretations of gender inequality in the field of physical activity and women’s sports, using a critical discourse analysis approach.

methodsThis qualitative study was conducted using a critical discourse analysis approach. Twenty-five women from Kermanshah, Iran, were purposively selected in 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The study utilized Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of critical discourse analysis encompassing textual analysis, discourse practice, and socio-cultural practice.

resultsParticipants identified four main themes contributing to gender inequality in women’s sports: (1) Power relations (politics, family structures, and economic factors); (2) Infrastructures (spaces, human resources, and equipment); (3) Cultural issues (gendered perspectives, dress codes, and safety concerns); and (4) Issues surrounding women’s sport (restrictions, media representation, and education). Most participants expressed opposition to gender-based discrimination and protested the dominance of men in women’s sports in Iran.

conclusionFindings reveal a profound awareness among women regarding gender disparities in sports. It is necessary for women to be placed in management and decision-making positions in Iranian sports to change the rules of the game in power relations. Additionally, cultural transformation, improved infrastructure, enhanced educational opportunities, and increased media coverage are critical to fostering equity in women’s sports.

Indexed as

ExerciseGender EquitySexismSportsAdultFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicIranQualitative ResearchEqualityGender discriminationPhysical activitySportWomen

Identifiers

PMID40993709
PMCPMC12462382

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.