Muslim students’ experiences of physical education
A scoping review
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15080173 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Annette Stride (0000-0002-7549-8347, Leeds Beckett University, corresponding author), Jonathan Allen (0009-0004-4203-7167, Leeds Beckett University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 31 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 599-621 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | European Physical Education Review (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1356-336X • E-ISSN: 1741-2749 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/1356336x241298637 |
| OpenAlex | W4405090647 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 53 |
This scoping review brings together, for the first time, research spanning five decades focusing on Muslim students’ experiences of physical education (PE). In taking stock of this work, it advances knowledge by mapping how understandings of the relationship between religion and PE have developed, whilst identifying new avenues of inquiry. Therefore, this scoping review is a useful resource for pedagogues and other stakeholders to reflect on current PE policy and practice to ensure they are best serving their Muslim students’ needs. Two questions are addressed: ‘How has research developed understandings regarding Muslim students’ experiences of PE?’ and ‘What lessons can be learnt to support more inclusive experiences for Muslim students?’ A six-stage methodological approach was utilised: (1) identifying research question(s); (2) searching for studies; (3) selection; (4) charting data; (5) summarising results; and (6) expert consultation. A systematic literature search using key words (Islam, Muslim, Physical Education) identified 141 outputs. Using inclusion/exclusion criteria, 47 remained. The findings offer (a) a summary of the characteristics of the work reviewed, including growth of the field, research location, contexts, participants and methodological issues, and (b) a critical commentary, identifying a preoccupation with particular identities, the significance of acknowledging heterogeneity, and the problematic positioning of Muslim students. The paper concludes with some future research recommendations, including the need for research exploring Muslim boys' and young men's experiences, adopting alternative theoretical approaches, exploring different contexts and re-orientating how research is undertaken ‘with’ young people
Mathematics education · Medical education · Pedagogy · Physical education · Medicine · Physical Education and Pedagogy · Psychology
The Global South
A typology of reviews
Basketball shorts, plantation food, and ponytail weaves
I don’t want my parents’ respect going down the drain’
Challenging stereotypes
Engaging young people with disabilities in research about their experiences of physical education and sport
British football
Religiosity, Integration and Sport
Young Muslim women's experiences of Islam and physical education in Greece and Britain
A case study on the experiences of university-based Muslim women in physical activity during their studies at one UK higher education institution
Muslim girls' experiences in physical education in Norway
Centralising space
The life of a gay student in a university physical education and sports department
Multiple voices
Playing the ‘Race’ card? Black and minority ethnic students' experiences of physical education teacher education
Students’ physical education experiences in a multi-ethnic class
Gender constructions and negotiations in physical education
Taking exercise
Implications of Islam on Muslim Girls' Sport Participation in Western Europe. Literature Review and Policy Recommendations for Sport Promotion
Muslim Women and Physical Education in Initial Teacher Training
Physical education, sport and hyper-masculinity in schools
Social inclusion in multi-ethnic physical education classes
Incompatible? Compulsory mixed-sex Physical Education Initial Teacher Training (Peitt) and the inclusion of Muslim women
An examination of barriers to physical education for Christian and Muslim girls attending comprehensive secondary schools in the UK
The outsourcing of health and physical education
The challenges of intersectionality
Sport, Physical Education, and Islam
Ethnicity and Conflict in Physical Education
Ethnicity and Conflict in Physical Education
How Australian Female Muslim Students Interpret Challenges in High School Sports
Scoping studies
Islam's View on Physical Activity and Sport
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 3 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |