Girls defining skateboarding subculture: A case study of skateboarding feminism in Beijing,China

Presenter(s)

Yu Wei

Abstract or Description

Skateboarding has traditionally been perceived as a male-dominated sports domain, with case studies from Western countries summarizing the challenging circumstances faced by women in the skateboarding field, characterized by stigmatization, sexualization, and marginalization. However, findings from interviews and on-site observations reveal a different narrative. In mainland China, the skateboarding community boasts a substantial female participation, marked by a display of robust confidence. These women are perceived as possessing distinctive qualities of diligence and perseverance, endowing them with unique advantages in comparison to their male counterparts within the skateboarding domain. The burgeoning presence of a sizable community of female skateboarders in China, coupled with the discourse surrounding gender equality ingrained in Chinese culture, has indirectly influenced the landscape of the skateboarding industry. In an effort to engage a diverse customer base spanning both genders, skateboarding brands in China tend to focus on presenting the design and functionality of skateboards and related equipment in a straightforward manner. This research endeavors to analyze these distinct phenomena in China through a comparative approach, delving into the realms of Chinese feminist history, industrial distribution, and middle-class culture. Unlike perspectives centered on individual resistance, this study concentrates on deciphering the dynamics between ideological social structures andexamining how systemic forces impact group cultures. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to provide a novel perspective on the feminist agenda, shifting the emphasis from highlighting problems to recognizing the unique attributes of women. By doing so, it aims to underscore the potential for women to contribute irreplaceably to society.

Mentor

Sarah Fields