Transformations  in
Business & Economics

ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN DROPOUTS IN SPORTS CENTRES LOCATED IN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
Cristina Ramirez, Cristina Lopez de Subijana, Alberto Lorenzo, Archit Navandar, Jose Antonio Navia, Irena Valantine, Rasa Kreivyte

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to know the reasons why clients of a private sports and fitness centre located on a school campus give up the practice of physical activity according to gender. The sample size was 2251 people (46.9% men, and 53.1% women). The reasons for dropping out were registered by transcribing the written or verbal words transmitted by the clients. Answers were analysed by content analysis using an inductive thematic focus. They were classified into different categories, contrasted by panel of experts, finally grouping in 11 reasons. The percentage of women who leave the sport is higher than that of men, citing to health problems and the incompatibility of schedules as main reasons for dropouts. Men on the other hand dropped out because of work reasons/studies. Women who dropped out preferred instructor-directed activities against men who prefer free use of sports facilities.

KEYWORDS:  client, barriers, physical activity, gender.

JEL classification:  Z21, D12, D71, E32, J16, C83.