Reproducing, resisting and transcending discourses of femininity: a discourse analysis of women’s accounts of leisure

Situated within a feminist, social constructionist perspective, this paper explores the utility of discourse analysis for the study of women’s leisure. The accounts of 14 women who regularly participate in leisure and self‐care were analysed and three discursive resources were identified. Whereas hegemonic constructions of femininity typically serve to forestall women’s leisure participation, participants’ accounts here are shown to negotiate these social meanings by reproducing, resisting or transcending dominant discourses of femininity. Findings are discussed with respect to health promotion initiatives aimed at supporting women’s leisure.