“That pressure is already killing you”: Exploring experiences of empowerment and disempowerment of Turkish female athletes

Abstract

There is a notable absence of interest in athletics and handball within the field of feminist studies in sport. However, in this field where gender is reproduced, there is a need to explore the factors affecting the power and powerlessness of women who perform at a high level. In response to this need, the present qualitative research seeks to examine the experiences of empowerment and disempowerment among female athletes who have dedicated their lives to athletics and handball from an empowerment-oriented feminist social work perspective. This study employed a phenomenological research design. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 female athletes competing in Turkish women's athletics and handball super league and first league. This research revealed that although female athletes experience various physical, psychological, and social difficulties, they are critically conscious. The research demonstrated that the empowerment experiences of female athletes were associated with factors such as physical competence, self-efficacy, self-actualization, and social support, while their disempowerment experiences were linked to phenomena such as injury, mental disorders, discrimination, pressure, and gender-based violence. Consequently, the results of this research may inform future interventions at the micro, meso, and macro levels to empower female athletes.