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SHAPE Research Seminar Series

Wages Over Welfare: Mental Health and Wellbeing Concerns of Professional Women Footballers in England

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Seminars

As part of the School of Science and Technology SHAPE Research Centre Seminar Series, Dr. Alex Culvin, Durham University presents: Wages Over Welfare: Mental Health and Wellbeing Concerns of Professional Women Footballers in England?

  • From: Wednesday 11 March 2020, 1 pm
  • To: Wednesday 11 March 2020, 2 pm
  • Location: ERD 171, Erasmus Darwin, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS
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Past event

Event details

As part of the School of Science and Technology SHAPE Research Centre Seminar Series, Dr. Alex Culvin, Durham University presents: Wages Over Welfare: Mental Health and Wellbeing Concerns of Professional Women Footballers in England?

Abstract

The inception of the FA Women’s Super League (FA WSL), created the opportunity for football as work for elite women footballers, in an occupational field tied historically to a highly masculinist and thus, gender exclusive culture. Interviews with 30 professional women footballers currently competing in the FA WSL, reveal that the establishment of football as work for women has created both insecure, precarious work, and non-work conditions. Precarity is increased based on gender, as women’s football is often considered a low priority for clubs and organisations. Findings demonstrate the vulnerabilities experienced by women were multifaceted and included: a loss of autonomy, isolation, eating and bodily disorders, work spill and overtraining. The demands faced by professional athletes are unique, and there are particular deleterious effects of such stressors on mental health. Overall, results highlight the importance of considering the impact of professionalisation on the lives of women in both work and non-work settings, if we are to more adequately understand the complex lives of professional women footballers.

This seminar is hosted by Dr Ali Bowes

All welcome

For any enquiries please contact Craig Sale

Location details

Room/Building:

ERD 171, Erasmus Darwin

Address:

Nottingham Trent University
Clifton Campus
Clifton Lane
 Nottingham
 NG11 8NS

Past event

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