Discursive Space of Iranian Womens Physical Activity

This article examines women's discursive space of physical activity in order to answer an important question: Why most women have problems with regular physical activity and cannot permanently benefit from a long-term regular exercise program. The analysis was performed with concepts discussed in the discourse theory of Laclau and Mouffe(1995). There are two main discourses in the women's physical activity, fear of fat as a big discourse and Healthism as small discourse. The result introduces a hypothesis: long-term goals and regular attendance in physical activity is related to goals created by healthism discourse and personal responsibility about health behaviors, also irregular attendance activity is related to priorities and goals created by fear of fat discourse. Identifying and categorizing topics show each of physical, mental and social targets achieve meaning from the fear of fat discourse because of its dominance and superiority. Future planning of physical activity for women should be established taking into account the dominant discourses in these spaces.