Body image of women in sports: The case of Ordu province

The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of societal perceptions and idealized body images on women's tendencies to engage in sports, using Ordu as a case study. The findings indicate that women are influenced by the ideal body standards set by society, leading to dissatisfaction with their own bodies. Consequently, many women choose to participate in sports primarily to achieve these ideal body standards. These findings highlight the significant influence of societal norms and idealized body standards on women's body image. This research, conducted in Ordu, provides valuable insights into understanding women's body perceptions and their motivations for engaging in sports. Understanding how societal ideals about the female body affect women's sports participation behaviors is crucial for developing measures to enhance women's involvement in physical activities. In this context, the Ordu case study offers a valuable research area to better understand the relationship between women's body image and their inclination towards sports. This study underscores the need to reassess societal and cultural norms regarding the female body by showing that women's motivations for participating in sports are shaped by these norms and ideals. Thus, it contributes significantly to the discourse on women's body image and sports.