Gender Issues in Physical Education: A Qualitative Analysis of Middle School Performance

The purpose of this research proposal is an evaluation of the gender issues and problems that arise in physical education classes in middle school.

There is a large body of evidence supporting the notion that though childhood and adolescence are critical times to lay the foundation for physical activity for an individual's lifetime, "too many girls are insufficiently active" (Olasov & Ryan, 2000:37). The Surgeon General's report in 1996 reported that "more than half of young people aged 12 to 21 were not considered active on a routine basis," with young females disproportionately inactive as young males (Olasov & Ryan, 2000: 37; PCPFS, 1997).

There is also significant body of evidence suggesting that particularly in middle school regular participation in physical activities can help young women "weather the storms of adolescence" and eventually lead more grounded adult lives...
[ View Full Essay]