Is Sport Coaching a Social Sustainable Profession for Women? Analysing the Experiences of Women Coaches in Spain

Abstract

While there are several studies showing the importance of social sustainability in different settings (e.g., Democracy and Governance: the Role of Sport Governing Bodies, urban planning, architecture) there is a lack of studies investigating social sustainability in the sports coaching profession, and even less research has specifically addressed women coaches. Using Barron and Gauntlett’s model of social sustainability (2002), the purpose of this study was to analyze the women coaches’ experiences of their profession and the extent to which it is a sustainable livelihood for women coaches. Semi-structured interviews with 20 women coaches were conducted from a variety of sports and performance levels. From a social sustainability perspective, the women coaches’ experiences were analyzed using Barron and Gauntlett’s principles of equity, diversity, interconnectedness, and democracy and governance to ascertain their quality of life. Our findings reveal that women coaches face multiple barriers and difficult working conditions in their profession, yet they continue to be committed to coaching largely because of the strong positive interpersonal relationships and social interactions they have with their sporting community. This study shines a light on the extent to which coaching is a livable and sustainable profession for women coaches today and highlights the importance of considering social sustainability principles to improve the experiences of women in the sports coaching profession.

Barriers, supports and constraints on women coaching in tennis

“…For example, increased exposure to women coach role models is recognised as one such way to establish greater diversity in sporting environments and encourage women to pursue a coaching career. 5 Another prominent issue for the participants was a perceived lack of respect they received relative to their male counterparts. Specifically in this study, participants reported that while respect is given to male coaches, it was believed that women coaches must prove their competency to earn respect.…”

“…For example, increased exposure to women coach role models is recognised as one such way to establish greater diversity in sporting environments and encourage women to pursue a coaching career. 5…”

“…Furthermore, it is well substantiated that socio-cultural barriers remain an ongoing challenge for women sport coaches. 2 Solanas et al 5 found that women coaches in Spain are subject to many challenges linked to the male dominance in sporting cultures, including discrimination, marginalisation (e.g. limited to coaching children) and sexist hiring practices.…”