Abstract
The purpose of this narrative inquiry is two-fold: first, to illuminate the views and experiences of Brazilian female Paralympians that helped shape their narrative identities, and second, to develop a better understanding of the reasons behind the gender inequality in Paralympic sports. According to the International Paralympic Committee, 1671 female athletes competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympics, representing almost 40 percent of the participating Paralympians. In Rio, Brazil had the largest Paralympic delegation in its history, with 287 Paralympians, of which only 102 were women (about 35 percent). The reasons why there is a significant discrepancy between male and female Paralympic participation are highly complex and little researched, particularly in Latin American contexts. In examining the complexities of these women’s narrative identities and their relationship with social norms, I draw on the insights from disability feminism, identity theory, and disability sport to analyze and interpret the Paralympic sportswomen’s narrative accounts. Individual interviews with 20 Brazilian female Paralympians from nine different sports revealed the intricate relationships each has with social norms regarding gender, disability, sport, and the body.
Highlights
Fewer women than men participate in disability sport, and the reasons behind such inequity are complex
This study aims to contribute to the literature on disability feminism, narrative identity, and disability sport in the following ways
This article drew on the voices and stories of disabled sportswomen whose narratives revealed the complex interaction between gender, disability, and athletic identities in the context of Paralympic sport
Summary
Fewer women than men participate in disability sport, and the reasons behind such inequity are complex. There is insufficient research that examines the specific causes of this situation and particular difficulties women face in their access to sport [1,2,3]. The gender gap in disability sport participation exists in Latin America, with little scholarly research on this issue [4]. Scholars point to many factors that contribute to the lack of representation of women in disability sport. Social and cultural barriers, and belief systems, as well as women’s personal choices, might impact their sport participation and even hinder efforts to increase awareness of the issues unique to the disabled female athlete [2,5]. Many women are not interested in sport in the first place
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
