Multilevel Factors Affecting the Social Inclusion of Women in Sports

Introduction: The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying multilevel factors affecting the social inclusion of women in sports. Methods: This study was multimethod qualitative research, and interviews, analysis of secondary documents and observation of participants were used to collecting data. The population included experts and researchers of women's sports, sports sociologists, sports psychologists, coaches with experience in the field of women's sports and all women who participated in sports activities at least one day a week. Twenty-eight people were interviewed using the snowball sampling method. The microscopic examination of data method was used to analyze the research data, and the data were categorized based on Strauss and Corbin (1998) analytical steps. Findings: The results of the research showed that various factors at the macro, meso and micro levels had an effect on creating suitable conditions for the social inclusion of women in sports; In addition, comprehensive social development at the community level also significantly affects these dynamics and ultimately leads to the social inclusion of women in sports. Conclusion: These results can help the organizations in charge of sports in order to properly plan and use effective methods for the inclusion of all women in sportsand can be an effective step towards the realization of social justice in the country.