Why do women engage, maintain, and drop out of male-dominated sports in the university context? A socioecological approach

This study analyzes women’s experiences in a traditionally male-dominated sport in Brazil, futsal, through a socioecological and life-course perspective, focusing on processes of entry, permanence, and dropout. Drawing on data from 48 women with experience in university futsal, the findings show that participation is shaped by the interaction of intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and sociocultural factors. Entry into university futsal was associated with early sport socialization and passion for the sport, while the university emerged as a space for reengagement. However, participants’ trajectories were also marked by gender-based barriers operating across schools and community sport, reinforcing the masculinization of football-related sports. Retention was sustained mainly by affective bonds, a sense of belonging, mental health benefits, and supportive coaching practices. The presence of women-only teams and women coaches emerged as a positive factor, fostering safe environments and the development of meaningful interpersonal connections often limited in prior male-dominated experiences. Still, 80% of participants reported having considered dropout. Withdrawal was primarily driven by academic overload, inadequate infrastructure, and limited institutional support, rather than by lack of motivation. Overall, the findings reveal that universities can simultaneously reproduce gender inequalities and serve as strategic sites for fostering more inclusive and supportive sport pathways for women.