The evolution of gender studies in physical education: insights from a bibliometric analysis
Keywords:
Gender, physical education, scopus, web of science, bibliometric analysisAbstract
Background: Highlighting gender in physical education is particularly important due to the prevalence of gender inequalities and stereotypes in this context. Research Objectives: The purpose of this study is to to analyse the development, trends, and patterns of research on gender in physical education. Methods: This research uses bibliometric analysis. The search was initiated using the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. The results of article findings on the Scopus database showed 242 articles, while the WoS database showed 252 articles. Pre-process bibliographic datasets generated with the ScientoPy tools. Findings/Results: This research shows a growing interest in the topic of gender in physical education since 2005, with a peak in 2023. Publications from different disciplines, such as education, social sciences, sport science, and psychology, demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to addressing gender inequality. The analysis also identified influential authors, including Daniel Mayorga-Vega and Jesús Viciana, who wrote five articles each. Spain was the largest contributing country, with 105 articles. The keyword “physical activity” appeared 15 times, highlighting the focus on the relationship between physical activity and gender. Conclusion: Bibliometric analyses indicate a strong and growing interest in gender research in physical education. Contributions from influential authors and support from key academic journals have fuelled this progress. Emerging patterns and themes highlight the complexity of gender issues in this context, emphasising the need for ongoing research and practical interventions to promote gender equality. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of gender research in this field, offering valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers to create an inclusive and equitable physical education environment.
Downloads
References
Arias, A. R., Soto, D., & Ferreira, C. (2021). A Systematic Review of Co-Educational Models in School Handball. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111438 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111438
Avraam, E., & Anagnostou, G. (2022). A Literature Review on Gender Stereotypes in Physical Education. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 8(6), 26–37. https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v8i6.4404 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v8i6.4404
Bustelo, M. (2016). Three Decades of State Feminism and Gender Equality Policies in Multi-governed Spain. Sex Roles, 74(3–4), 107–120. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-014-0381-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-014-0381-9
Collado, C. C., & Vázquez-Cupeiro, S. (2023). Resistance and Counter-Resistance to Gender Equality Policies in Spanish Universities. Papers, 108(2), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/papers.3105 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5565/rev/papers.3105
Del Castillo Andrés, Ó., Granados, S. R., Ramírez, T. G., & del Carmen Campos Mesa, M. (2012). Gender Equity in Physical Education: The Use of Information. Sex Roles, 67(1–2), 108–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-011-0103-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-011-0103-5
Deng, Y. (2023). Influence of Gender Stereotype on Participation in Physical Education Class of High School Students. Journal of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, 8, 600–606. https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v8i.4315 DOI: https://doi.org/10.54097/ehss.v8i.4315
Farid, S., Azril, H., Sha, M., & Fauzi, A. (2020). Heigh-Ho , Heigh-Ho , to the Rural Libraries We Go ! - A Systematic Literature Review. Library and Information Science Research, 42(1), 100997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2019.100997 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2019.100997
Gazali, N., & Saad, N. (2023). Bibliometric Analysis of Leadership and Physical Education Based on Scopus Data. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 12(3), 1174–1184. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i3.22922 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i3.22922
Guerrero, M. A., & Guerrero Puerta, L. (2023). Advancing Gender Equality in Schools through Inclusive Physical Education and Teaching Training: A Systematic Review. Societies, 13(3), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13030064 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13030064
Hoi, N. K., & Xuan, W. J. (2023). Breaking Barriers: An Examination of Gender Inequality and Discrimination in Malaysia’s Workplace. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(5), 1113–1127. https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v13-i5/16791 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i5/16791
Hong, J. T., Chen, S. T., Tang, Y., Cao, Z. B., Zhuang, J., Zhu, Z., Chen, P., & Liu, Y. (2020). Associations between Various Kinds of Parental Support and Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents in Shanghai, China: Gender and Age Differences. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09254-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09254-8
Kadirhanogullari, M. K., & Kose, E. O. (2024). A Bibliometric Analysis of Articles on Bibliometric Studies in Science Education. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 10(2), 315–339. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.3370 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.3370
O’Reilly, M., Talbot, A., & Harrington, D. (2023). Adolescent Perspectives on Gendered Ideologies in Physical Activity within Schools: Reflections on a Female-Focused Intervention. Feminism and Psychology, 33(2), 175–196. https://doi.org/10.1177/09593535221109040 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/09593535221109040
Parpa, K., Paludo, A., Christodoulides, E., Kobus, M., & Michaelides, M. (2023). Physical Literacy in Female Youth: A Pilot Study Examining Its Association with Physical Activity, Sports Participation, and Physical Fitness. Youth, 3(1), 392–400. https://doi.org/10.3390/youth3010026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/youth3010026
Parri, M., & Ceciliani, A. (2019). Best Practice in P.E. for Gender Equity-A Review. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 19(5), 1943–1952. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2019.s5289 DOI: https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2019.s5289
Păuțu, A. G., Bota, E., & Petracovschi, S. (2024). Reducing Gender Stereotypes and Promoting Gender Equality in the Physical Education Lesson – A Systematic Review Analysis. Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai Educatio Artis Gymnasticae, 68(4), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.68(4).29 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.68(4).29
Perdima, F. E., Hadiwinarto, & Balint, G. (2022). Evaluation of Learning in Physical Education: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Trends. Journal Sport Area, 7(1), 160–170. https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2022.vol7(1).8059 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25299/sportarea.2022.vol7(1).8059
Perdima, F. E., Suwarni, & Gazali, N. (2022). Educational Technology in Physical Education Learning: A Bibliometric Analysis using Scopus Database. SPORT TK-Revista EuroAmericana de Ciencias Del Deporte, 11(2), 34–42. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.517091 DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.517091
Pérez-Gutiérrez, M., Castanedo-Alonso, J. M., Salceda-Mesa, M., & Cobo-Corrales, C. (2021). Scientific Production on Inclusive Education and Physical Education: A Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 17(52), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2021.1916103 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2021.1916103
Rarieya, J. F. A., Wango, N. C., Oluga, M., & Abunga, O. (2024). Accelerating Primary Education Tutors’ Acquisition of Gender-Responsive Pedagogies. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 5(4), 47–54. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2024.5.4.849 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24018/ejedu.2024.5.4.849
Ruiz-Rosero, J., Ramirez-Gonzalez, G., & Khanna, R. (2019). Field Programmable Gate Array Applications-A Scientometric Review. Computation, 7(4), 1–111. https://doi.org/10.3390/computation7040063 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/computation7040063
Scraton, S., & Flintoff, A. (2013). Gender, Feminist Theory, and Sport. A Companion to Sport, 96–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118325261.ch5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118325261.ch5
Sugawara, E., & Nikaido, H. (2014). Properties of AdeABC and AdeIJK Efflux Systems of Acinetobacter Baumannii Compared with Those of the AcrAB-TolC System of Escherichia Coli. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 58(12), 7250–7257. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.03728-14 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.03728-14
Sugimoto, D., Stracciolini, A., Berbert, L., Nohelty, E., Kobelski, G. P., Parmeter, B., Weller, E., Faigenbaum, A. D., & Myer, G. D. (2023). Assessment of Physical Tests in 6–11 Years Old Children: Findings from the Play Lifestyle and Activity in Youth (PLAY) Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032552 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032552
Sweileh, W. M. (2020). Bibliometric Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Literature on Food Security in the Context of Climate Change from 1980 to 2019. Agriculture and Food Security, 9(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-020-00266-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-020-00266-6
Táboas-Pais, M. I., & Rey-Cao, A. (2012). Gender Differences in Physical Education Textbooks in Spain: A Content Analysis of Photographs. Sex Roles, 67(7–8), 389–402. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-012-0174-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-012-0174-y
Viciana, J., Mayorga-Vega, D., & Parra-Saldías, M. (2017). Adolescents’ Physical Activity Levels on Physical Education and Non-Physical Education Days According to Gender, Age, and Weight Status. European Physical Education Review, 25(1), 143–155. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X17706683 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X17706683
Viciana, J., Mayorga-Vega, D., & Martínez-Baena, A. (2020). Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Levels in Physical Education, School Recess and After-School Time. Influence of Gender, Age, and Weight Status. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13(10), 1117–1123. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2015-0537 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2015-0537
Yang, K., Lee, H., Kim, S., Lee, J., & Oh, D.-G. (2021). KCI vs. WoS: Comparative Analysis of Korean and International Journal Publications in Library and Information Science. Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice, 9(3), 76–106. https://doi.org/10.1633/JISTaP.2021.9.3.6
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2025 Bustanol Arifin, Abdurrohman Muzakki, Ratko Pavlović, Edi Setiawan

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, search, or link to full-text articles in this journal without asking by giving appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. All of the remix, transform, or build upon the material must distribute the contributions under the same license as the original.
Accepted 2024-12-18
Published 2025-02-05



