About the lecture:
As Spain transitioned from a regime to a democracy, politics and lifestyles changed, and so did the meaning of sport, becoming a popular social practice for everyone. This process is known as the democratization of sport. However, at this point, we must ask: was the sporting democratization truly an equal for women? After all, little has changed for them, who still faced barriers due to traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
In this seminar, Mayte will present the preliminary findings of her doctoral thesis, which explores the experiences of Sevillian women in the context of sport during the Spanish Transition. It is argued that the democratization process did not fully extend to women. Despite the fall of Francoism, the research reveals that discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation continued to shape access and participation in the sporting domain. Consequently, the seminar invites reflection on whether the notion of 'democratization' is appropriate or accurate when applied to the context of sports.
If you would like to participate digitally via Microsoft Teams, contact Anne Tjønndal at anne.tjonndal@nord.no.
About Mayte Ortiz Romero:
Mayte is a PhD Candidate in Education at the University of Seville. Her research focuses on the intersection between gender, sport and social change in post-dictatorial Spain, as well as the persistence of related barriers in the contemporary era. She is currently involved in a national R&D&I project examining the democratization of sport in Andalusia, southern Spain (PROYEXCEL_00783). With a bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy and a master's degree in Physical Activity and Quality of Life for Adults and Seniors, she is a member of the CASPORT research group (HUM-1059), which studies the social aspects of sport; and also collaborates with the Research Network on LGTBI+ Physical Education and Sport, which promotes inclusion and diversity in these areas. Mayte is particularly committed to social justice and gender issues, participating in and promoting related projects. In 2022, she co-founded the social justice organization ‘Rompe la Norma’ (Break the Rule), which she currently chairs. Her interests also include media literacy concerning women in sport, LGBTQI+ participation in sporting contexts, and specific disciplines such as bodybuilding and fitness.
