The Female Tradition in Physical Education ─ Women First Reconsidered

This book re-examines a key question in the history of modern education: why did the leaders of first wave feminist physical education, who pioneered the development of the subject in late 19th and early 20th century England and through imperial influence shaped its development in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, lose control in the years following the Second World War. Despite the later resurgence of feminism they never regained a voice, with the result that male leadership was able to shift the curriculum in ways that neglected the needs of girls and young women. This is fascinating reading for anybody with an interest in the history of sport or education, or women’s history.

David Kirk is Alexander Chair in physical education and sport at the University of Bedfordshire, UK.

Patricia Vertinsky is a Distinguished University Scholar and Professor of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, Canada.