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‘It Feels Like a Big Performance’: Space, Performativity and Young Woman Skateboarders1

Author

Listed:
  • Carrie Paechter

    (Nottingham Trent University, UK)

  • Lyndsey Stoodley

    (Independent Academic, UK)

  • Michael Keenan

    (Nottingham Trent University, UK)

  • Chris Lawton

    (Skateboard GB, UK)

Abstract

In this article, we apply philosophical and sociological theory to consider how young women skateboarders interact with and are affected by performative aspects of skateboarding cultures. Drawing on findings from a qualitative study of three skateparks plus other skate spaces in and around two English cities, we argue that these spaces are performative in nature and that this is frequently problematic for young woman skateboarders. We suggest that, due to their comparative rarity in these spaces, young women are put under an immediate spotlight on entry, with an expectation that they perform a competent skateboarder identity while under scrutiny from other users of the space; we examine their experiences of this. We conclude by suggesting ways that skateparks and skatespaces can be designed and used to make them more accessible to woman and girl skaters, and to other groups marginalised in skateboarding cultures.

Suggested Citation

  • Carrie Paechter & Lyndsey Stoodley & Michael Keenan & Chris Lawton, 2024. "‘It Feels Like a Big Performance’: Space, Performativity and Young Woman Skateboarders1," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(4), pages 947-964, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:29:y:2024:i:4:p:947-964
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804231214100
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian Glenney & Paul O’Connor, 2019. "Skateparks as hybrid elements of the city," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(6), pages 840-855, November.
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