Abstract:
Limited research explores the motivations of women climbers, particularly
within patriarchal societies where participation faces gender-related stereotypes and cultural prejudices. This study addresses this knowledge gap,
aiming to understand how to promote female engagement in climbing as
serious leisure, contributing to gender equality in tourism. Focusing on elite
female climbers in Kazakhstan, this study investigates their motivations and
resistance against dominant power structures. Utilizing self-determination
theory, the concept of domination and resistance, and intersectional theory,
this study employs interpretive phenomenological analysis of 16 personal
accounts of female climbers. Findings reveal a variety of climbing motives
including physiological, developmental, social, and psychological. A new
motive, or a boundary condition contributing to climbing motives, is identified that showcases subtle forms of women’s resistance. These forms aim
to assert women’s autonomy, defy societal norms and expectations, and
enable subversive behavioural acts. By revealing resistance as a stand-alone
motive or as a potential boundary condition contributing to other climbing
motives, this study highlights how women, especially in patriarchal societies,
navigate the complex intersection of traditional gender roles in pursuit of
their climbing aspirations. The study provides recommendations for encouraging female participation in serious leisure within patriarchal societies and
beyond, fostering inclusivity in tourism activities.
