Practices and experiences of care in gymnastics : an embodied approach

Sport-based policies and government reports highlight a need to prioritise athlete welfare and for greater focus on embedding safeguarding among sporting culture. Research has previously focused on topics surrounding care (e.g., abuse, coach-athlete relationships, safeguarding), however much of this is psychological, and care itself is rarely conceptualised. This thesis used a sociological lens, combining Foucault and Goffman's work to deconstruct and explore everyday interactions, discourses, and disciplinary practices associated with care. The aim of this thesis was to advance knowledge about the practice of care within gymnastics. Three studies focused on failings of care, care and touch-based practice, and safeguarding education. Participants included gymnasts, coaches, parents, and NGB employees. Multiple qualitative methods were used including focus groups, interviews, observations, qualitative surveys, and data was presented through creative nonfictions and realist tales. Findings showed narratives of survival through mechanisms of power are presented from across the gymnastics community, significant as previous gymnastics research have been dominated by elite Women's artistic gymnasts' experiences. Foucault's concept technologies of surveillance and Goffman's dramaturgical metaphor showed how care and touch is embodied, including differentiating types of touch (i.e., performative, and care-based touch). Gymnasts and parents stated they expected and wanted care-based touch to be included in coaching practice. This thesis presented a novel definition of care in gymnastics. In addition, Foucault and Goffman's combined sociological lens presented a new term to conceptualise care -interactionist care. Care in gymnastics should be conceptualised as an interaction, an embodied perspective developed knowledge on what care is by positioning the body as an entity to construct care.