Women's Bodies in a Man's World.

Physical education today is a discipline defined by men and seen largely as a male domain in which women are regarded as physically inferior. The dominant male ideology has established the physical standards for women which has the effect of preventing most women from feeling good about their bodies. With the recent rapid growth of women's athletics, however, the patriarchy has been less successful in controlling female sports. Physical educators should encourage female college students to take up physical activity and to compete in organized sport. New curricula in physical education need to be developed to encourage women to take control of their bodies and should include such topics as body awareness, the connections between body and mind, sexuality, nutrition, health and hygiene, and stress management. Wellesley College, Massachusetts, includes a one-year physical education requirement with the curriculum focusing on skill classes such as self-defense and yoga, as well as such topics as first aid and sports medicine. Physical education should be redefined to recognize its importance to feminist goals. Includes 13 references. (LPT)