Perceptions of gender among Polish PE teachers and PE teacher educators. a vicious cycle of reproduction of gender relations

In a recently published article we demonstrated persistent patterns of heteronormativity in physical education (PE) practices in Poland, manifested in gender-biased communication between PE teachers and pupils, indicating deeply rooted heteronormativity. In this follow-up study, we investigate factors contributing to these patterns. Thus, this study aimed to explore how PE teachers and PE teacher educators perceive gender, and to identify the factors shaping those perceptions in Poland. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of cultural reproduction, 37 individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) with PE teachers and 23 IDIs with PE teacher educators were analysed. The findings indicate that the interviewed teachers, through their sporting careers and the PE teacher education system, have developed a specific sports-related gendered habitus that creates a vicious cycle of reproducing traditional male dominated sports habitus and gender relations in their teaching practices. The lack of critical reflexivity among participants regarding gender issues, inclusion, and the social and cultural foundations of PE is discussed in relation to the broader context, including the absence of formal training in equity education within PE teacher education curricula.