Paper Presentation VII:
The Gendered Body
Sunday, April 11, 10.00–11.30

Laura-Jayne Roberts University of Bournemouth, UK
Malcolm MacLean, University of Gloucestershire, UK

Women jockeys are a small minority on the thoroughbred racetrack and secure significantly fewer racing mounts than their male counterparts. This suggests female jockeys are facing discriminatory barriers, in one of the only major professional sports where men and women compete against each other on equal terms. This exploratory study considers discriminatory barriers that exist and the effects they have on women’s comparative profile and participation in the flat racing industry. Six participants were recruited for the study from different areas within the industry, and with at least three years experience. Information was derived from semi structured individual interviews. The data was analysed using discourse analysis techniques. Five main themes were evident: a culture of sexism, including the sense that women are more nurturing; body shape and strength; risk and danger; opportunities, including for women to become trainers; industry fashion and trends.

The results from this study suggest women face discrimination in horseracing on account of a number of factors, the three main perceived reasons are due to their physical strength, body shape and the tradition and history embedded within the industry, alongside others such as the danger element and fashion. Whilst there is a shift starting to occur where more women are coming through in flat racing, this is slow. Participants consider that women may find these barriers and perceptions held by others difficult to overcome, which may result in their inability to achieve equality in this sport. Given the exploratory character of the study, conclusions are tentative and we propose a number of areas for further research.