<p> In this dissertation the author provides an analysis of three separate but interrelated aspects of the experiences of women who have been treated for breast cancer and who participate in survivor dragon boat racing.</p> <p> In the first analysis the author addresses the multiple meanings and functions that this physically intense competitive team sport has for the women. The paper explores some of the reasons why this activity appealed to them and the kinds of impacts and effects that participation in this activity had on their lives. The second analysis offers a critical look at the ways in which breast amputation has been characterised within the medical and breast cancer literature as a threat to women's self identity as female or feminine. The data from this study however demonstrates that women's experiences of
breast amputation is much more complex and nuanced than characterised. Also included is an examination of women's own perspectives on this experience, as well as the mediating role that dragon boat racing had on this aspect of self identity. The third analysis focusses on a major theme that emerged from the data which was the transformative effect that competitive dragon boat racing had on women's bodies and on their sense of self. Discussed here are the impacts and effects that participation in
competitive dragon boat racing had on women's self identities and bodies and that enabled the women to see themselves as strong, fitter, healthier and "better" than what they were prior to their breast cancer illness experience. Finally, the author concludes with a discussion of how regular participation sport, and especially for women living with a critical illness, can empower women at the individual, group and societal levels.</p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/16756 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Shaw, Rhona Mary |
| Contributors | Pawluch, D., Sociology |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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