Dinámicas de género en la participación deportiva rural: el caso de la ciudad de Jaca

Introduction: Participation in sports in rural areas has been little studied in Spain, despite its importance for health, social cohesion and equality. Rural women, in particular, face additional structural disadvantages that limit their access to physical activity and sports. Objective: to analyse the sporting habits of the rural population of Jaca, with a special focus on gender differences and the factors that influence the participation of rural women. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental design was adopted, based on a structured questionnaire distributed to 303 residents of Jaca, with an analytical focus on a subgroup of 171 women. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied, as well as regression models, decision trees, cluster analysis and open-ended responses. Results: The results show that rural women have lower levels of frequent practice, prefer private spaces and afternoon schedules, and value technical professionalism. Schedule was the main predictor of practice. Three distinct female profiles were identified: structured and satisfied, multi-spatial and contained, and inactive and dissatisfied. Discussion: These results are consistent with the literature on gender and rurality, highlighting the influence of socio-temporal and contextual factors on sports practice. It is confirmed that time availability and care burden have a greater impact on rural women. Conclusions: It is concluded that sports policies in rural contexts should incorporate gender- and territory-sensitive approaches, facilitating real, equitable and diverse access to sports practice.