Chapter 4: Bias in Exercise Science
By Jennifer Taylor-Winney, PhD
Learning Objectives
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Understand the concept of bias and its impact on decision-making and behavior across various contexts, including healthcare, education, and physical activity.
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Identify different forms of bias, including cognitive, social, and implicit bias, and recognize how they manifest in daily life and professional settings.
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Analyze the effects of bias on participation in physical activity and the role of access, representation, body image, and cultural norms in influencing individuals’ engagement in fitness.
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Develop strategies for mitigating bias to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in physical activity spaces and professional environments.
Chapter Contents
Bias refers to the systematic and often unconscious tendency to favor or oppose particular individuals, groups, ideas, or things over others. It can present itself in various forms, including cognitive bias, which influences how we perceive and interpret information, as well as social bias, which affects our attitudes and behaviors towards different social groups.
Bias can arise from a variety of factors, including personal experiences, cultural influences, societal norms, stereotypes, and unconscious mental processes. It can impact decision-making, judgments, behaviors, and interactions in both subtle and overt ways.
Recognizing and addressing bias is important in various contexts, including healthcare, education, employment, criminal justice, and interpersonal relationships, as it can lead to unfair treatment, discrimination, and perpetuation of inequalities. Strategies for mitigating bias include increasing awareness, promoting diversity and inclusion, challenging stereotypes, fostering empathy, and implementing policies and practices that promote fairness and equity.
Video Example: Bias in Health care.
Please watch the short video below for an example of bias in health care.
Impact of Bias
Bias can impact participation in physical activity in several ways:
Access to Resources: Bias can create barriers to accessing resources for physical activity, such as sports facilities, recreational spaces, and fitness programs. These barriers may be based on factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or geographic location. For example, individuals from lower-income communities may have limited access to safe parks or recreational facilities. Individuals with disabilities may face accessibility challenges in fitness centers that don’t have enough space between equipment or have inaccessible locker rooms.
Perceived Discrimination: Perceived discrimination or bias in fitness and recreational spaces can deter individuals from participating in physical activity. Negative experiences or the fear of encountering discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, or body size can lead to feelings of discomfort or unwelcome, discouraging participation in physical activity. For example, many gyms have a vibe or culture that may create an unwelcoming environment for some. Women may not feel comfortable at a gym where all the employees are male and only focus on listing the most weight. People living in larger bodies might not feel comfortable in a gym that only focuses on body esthetics as a result of working out rather than achieving personal goals and improving health.
Representation and Inclusivity: Bias in media, marketing, and cultural representations of physical activity can impact individuals’ perceptions of who belongs in fitness spaces and what types of activities are appropriate for different groups. Lack of representation or stereotypical portrayals may discourage individuals from diverse backgrounds from engaging in physical activity, as they may not see themselves reflected or feel represented in fitness culture. For example, if all of the fitness facilities promotional materials are all of very fit white males, people of color, women, and people with different body sizes may not feel they are welcome in that facility. It is important for fitness facilities to be very intentional in their marketing. Everyone belongs in physical activity spaces.
Body Image and Self-Esteem: Bias related to body image and appearance standards in the fitness industry can impact individuals’ self-esteem and confidence in participating in physical activity. Stereotypical ideals of beauty and fitness may create unrealistic expectations and promote body dissatisfaction, leading individuals to feel self-conscious or insecure about engaging in physical activity in public settings. For example if you are a coach or personal trainer and you focus on how “fat” or “skinny” your clients/athletes are it can have a negative effect on their body image and confidence. The appearance standards that society puts out are often unrealistic for many and do not focus on performance. All bodies belong in physical activity spaces and individual goals and performance of skills are a better focus than just physical appearance.
Cultural Norms and Expectations: Bias can influence cultural norms and expectations surrounding physical activity, particularly regarding gender roles, cultural practices, and community attitudes toward exercise. Societal expectations or stereotypes about appropriate types of physical activity for different genders, age groups, or cultural backgrounds may influence individuals’ decisions to participate in certain activities or sports. For example, expecting that gymnastics is a women’s sport and wrestling is a mens sport when really both are great sports for either gender. There is a social expectation that males participate in more physical sports (football, MMA, Rugby) and women should participate in more artistice or low contact activities (basketball, dance, volleyball). The reality is that if we get past our bias about what sport is appropriate for what genders we can open up opportunities for everyone to find a sport or physical activity that works for them and the interest they have.
Health Disparities: Bias can contribute to health disparities by limiting access to physical activity opportunities and resources for marginalized or underserved communities. These disparities in access to physical activity can exacerbate existing health inequities and contribute to disparities in chronic disease rates, mental health outcomes, and overall well-being. The research article below is an example.
Research on Bias and Obestity
Bias Activity
Addressing bias in physical activity promotion and creating inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments for all individuals is essential to promote equitable participation in physical activity and improve overall health outcomes. This requires a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and cultural competence in designing and implementing physical activity programs, as well as addressing systemic barriers and inequalities that limit access to resources and opportunities for physical activity.
As professionals (and humans) in the field of exercise science it is important for us to understand the bias we may have towards different groups of people so that we can understand how those biases may impact the services we provide and so you can do the work to become aware of and work to change your biases. Please watch the short TED talk below by Dushaw Hockett to understand what implicit bias is.
Once you have watched the video please go to the Project Implicit Website and read the first page. When you click I choose to proceed the site will take you to a list of Implicit Association (IA) tests you can take. For this assignment please do the following.
1. Watch the TED talk video above
2. Visit to the Project Implicit website
3. Take at least 2 different IA tests (if you would like to take more, that is great)
4. Answer the questions below on a separate paper or file. You will be asked to turn in your answers.
The questions below are designed to help you think about how implicit bias may impact you as a professional. You will not be asked to share your results for the tests, but you may choose to share them if you like. You WILL be asked to take a minute and really think about how implicit bias can impact you and those you interact with and influence. Grading for this assignment will not be based on whether or not you have bias (we all do), but by the completeness and thoughtfulness of your answers.
1. What were your initial thoughts when you received the results from your tests?
2. Did the results of the test challenge any preconceived notions or beliefs you held about yourself and others?
3. How do you think your personal experiences and background may have influenced the results of your tests?
4. How can increasing awareness of your own implicit biases contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable field of exercise science?
5. What steps do you think you can take to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your personal and professional spheres based on the insights gained from your tests?
