Likestilling på markedets premisser : Utvikling av kvinnehockey i to svenske ishockeyforeninger

Sammanfattning

This study examines how strategic work related to the development of women’s ice hockey isunderstood, legitimised, and practiced as part of gender equality efforts in two Swedish icehockey clubs. The study is situated within a tension between increasing ambitions for genderequality in Swedish ice hockey and a sporting context historically shaped by male dominanceand gendered structures. The study examines both how club management describes itsstrategic work and how this work is experienced by players in women’s teams.The study is based on a qualitative, instrumental case study of two Swedish ice hockey clubswith established women’s programmes at a high level. The empirical material consists of sixsemi-structured interviews with individuals in leadership and strategic roles, as well as fivefocus group interviews with a total of 15 players from women’s teams. The material wasanalysed using reflexive thematic analysis, with institutional logics and Hirdman’s theory ofthe gender system serving as theoretical frameworks.The findings show that the development of women’s ice hockey is largely legitimised throughmarket considerations, growth, and future potential. Visibility, professionalisation, andorganisational integration are described as central strategies in the development work, whileeconomic and commercial considerations influence which initiatives are perceived as realisticand legitimate. The players describe a positive development, but also that the men’s teamcontinues to hold a privileged position in terms of resources, attention, and organisationalpriorities. The study also shows that players not only adapt to existing structures, butincreasingly challenge established understandings of women’s place within the clubs.The study contributes insights into how gender equality work in Swedish ice hockey is shapedthrough the interaction between organisational ambitions, market considerations, andeveryday practices, and demonstrates how the development of women’s ice hockeyencompasses both increased legitimacy and persistent inequalities.