The individual level is one of the five levels of a framework designed by Professor Peter Figueroa to help evaluate and explore equity and access issues within society (Kiss et al, 2010). Figueroa's framework involves five levels (individual, interpersonal, institutional, structural, and cultural) that are used to investigate the ways in which inequities challenge the area of sport, exercise, and physical activity. Each of the levels contained within Figueroa's framework connect with each other and all contribute to shaping the overall joint effect. They show the different influences that reinforce, create, remove and eliminate barriers and inequities within sport and physical activity. While each of the levels have influence, decisions about sport and physical activity are ultimately made by the individual (Amezdroz et al, 2010).
Many factors impact an individual's capacity to gain access to or be treated equitably in various settings in sport, exercise, and physical activity (Amezdroz et al, 2010). These factors can encourage or severely restrict an individual's participation. Social factors directly or indirectly shape opinions and influence an individual's decision to participate in physical activity. Body image, self-concept, and self-esteem are all personal influences that affect an individual's participation in physical activity.
Body image refers to the image a person has of their body and how they feel about it. When a person has a positive body image they are happy with their body size and shape. When a person has a negative body image they are conscious of not being the desired shape or size. Body image affects a person's self-concept. Self-concept refers to the picture an individual has of himself or herself as a total person. This includes body image, personality, intellectual capacity, and the ability to meet social standards. A person with a positive self-concept feels satisfied with life and the role they play within society. People with negative self-concept generally see themselves as not fitting in with society and therefore find many situations threatening. (Amezdroz et al, 2010)
Self-concept is positive for myself in dance because dance is viewed as acceptable for girls as a result of the gender stereotypes. While dance in many cultures has and continues to be viewed as appropriate for males and females, the Western European cultural paradigm situates dance as primarily a female art form (Risner, 2009). Participation in dance is heavily influenced by gender stereotypes inflicted upon individuals by society. Gender and its social construction play significant roles in participation in and attitudes toward dance. Because dance is viewed as a feminine activity, all males who dance are always in danger of being confronted with gender stereotypes associated with dance such as being weak, feminine, gay, and not masculine (Thomas, 2011). Gender stereotypes in dance have an important impact on the willingness of males and females to participate in dance (Fisher & Shay, 2009). As dance is considered feminine and socially acceptable for females as a result of gender stereotypes, my self-concept in dance is positive and allows me to actively participate in dance in the future.
Many factors impact an individual's capacity to gain access to or be treated equitably in various settings in sport, exercise, and physical activity (Amezdroz et al, 2010). These factors can encourage or severely restrict an individual's participation. Social factors directly or indirectly shape opinions and influence an individual's decision to participate in physical activity. Body image, self-concept, and self-esteem are all personal influences that affect an individual's participation in physical activity.
Body image refers to the image a person has of their body and how they feel about it. When a person has a positive body image they are happy with their body size and shape. When a person has a negative body image they are conscious of not being the desired shape or size. Body image affects a person's self-concept. Self-concept refers to the picture an individual has of himself or herself as a total person. This includes body image, personality, intellectual capacity, and the ability to meet social standards. A person with a positive self-concept feels satisfied with life and the role they play within society. People with negative self-concept generally see themselves as not fitting in with society and therefore find many situations threatening. (Amezdroz et al, 2010)
Self-concept is positive for myself in dance because dance is viewed as acceptable for girls as a result of the gender stereotypes. While dance in many cultures has and continues to be viewed as appropriate for males and females, the Western European cultural paradigm situates dance as primarily a female art form (Risner, 2009). Participation in dance is heavily influenced by gender stereotypes inflicted upon individuals by society. Gender and its social construction play significant roles in participation in and attitudes toward dance. Because dance is viewed as a feminine activity, all males who dance are always in danger of being confronted with gender stereotypes associated with dance such as being weak, feminine, gay, and not masculine (Thomas, 2011). Gender stereotypes in dance have an important impact on the willingness of males and females to participate in dance (Fisher & Shay, 2009). As dance is considered feminine and socially acceptable for females as a result of gender stereotypes, my self-concept in dance is positive and allows me to actively participate in dance in the future.