Pinning Down Inclusivity: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Participation for Muslim and Sikh Women in Wrestling

Claydon, Mia Rae (2024) Pinning Down Inclusivity: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Participation for Muslim and Sikh Women in Wrestling. Masters by Research thesis (MSc), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This thesis critically examines wrestling coaches’ perspectives of barriers encountered by Muslim and Sikh women in participating in wrestling, a sport characterised by male dominance. Exploring the intersection of cultural, religious, and structural impediments that limit the participation of women from these communities, the study encompasses one participant observation visit and six semi-structured interviews. The research analyses the role of cultural norms, gender expectations, and governance structures in shaping women’s access to the sport. The discussion is centred around four key findings that highlight significant obstacles: a shortage of sporting opportunities, lack of representation in wrestling, the power of parental influence, and restrictive governance practices. Goffman’s seminal work on the concept of dramaturgy was used to theorise the key findings, to make sociological connections between interviewees and their thoughts of wrestling. This study contributes to the discourse on sports inclusivity, offering evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at fostering greater participation of Muslim and Sikh women in wrestling.