Anti-doping sciences, abjection and women's sport as a protected category

Area of Science:

• Sport Science
• Sociology of Sport
• Feminist Theory

Background:

• Debates on transgender and gender diverse (TGD) athletes in women's sports are contentious, often involving anti-doping sciences.
• Existing sport theory identifies societal roots of these issues but overlooks philosophical underpinnings.
• The concept of 'abjection' offers a lens to understand perceived threats to the status quo in sport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between anti-doping sciences, abjection, and the protection of women's sport.
• To introduce and define novel concepts: 'abjection bias,' 'abjection potential,' and 'intersectional abjection.'
• To provide a nuanced understanding of the framing of contentious issues in contemporary sport.

Main Methods:

• Feminist critical analysis of sport and anti-doping discourse.
• Conceptual development of 'abjection bias,' 'abjection potential,' and 'intersectional abjection.'
• Historical analysis of anti-doping sciences and women's sport protection efforts.

Main Results:

• 'Abjection' is identified as a key factor framing current debates in sport and anti-doping.
• The proposed concepts offer tools to analyze 'gut reactions' and underlying biases.
• Historical connections between anti-doping and protecting women's sport are illuminated through the lens of abjection.

Conclusions:

• The concept of abjection provides a framework for understanding contentious debates surrounding TGD athletes in women's sports.
• Novel concepts like 'abjection bias' can explain emotional responses and policy framing.
• This analysis offers clarity for policy decision-making regarding the protection of the women's sport category.