Background

The development of youths physical activity practices occurs through a complex interplay of social, cultural, and geographical factors. Previous research highlights the dual role of sport in rural communities, where it fosters social belonging and identity but also reinforces exclusion and traditional ideals.AimThis study examines how embodied socialization occurs among youth in a depopulation-affected rural environment in Sweden. Research questions were: What type of sporting body is shaped by growing up in a rural environment? Which activities contribute to the creation of this body?

Method:

This study draws on Elders socialization theory, where a places physical and sociocultural traits, along with parents, institutions, and socio-historical events, shape life trajectories. Embodied socialization was, thus, examined in relation to the areas social environment as well as rural culture, traditions, and economic decline.A qualitative approach was used, employing retrospective biographical interviews with six young individuals (girls=3). Each participant was interviewed individually on two occasions to allow for in-depth analysis. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were produced from the analysis: ‘Physical activities run in the family’ highlights how generationally transmitted activities shape young peoples understanding of desirable physical activity and bodies. The theme “Traditions in social institutions” illustrates how schools and local community organizations reproduce preferences for nature-based activities such as hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing, and running. The third theme, “New sports – same ideals”, reveals how modern fitness activities, such as gym training, becoming more popular, align with traditional ideals of a healthy, strong, and resilient body, making them accepted within the local community.

Discussion

The results illustrate how family and community institutions reinforce traditional bodily ideals, with the rural environment and nature playing a central role. This particular rural area is oriented towards forestry, hunting, and fishing rather than farming, which is reflected in the types of bodily ideals that emerge in the narratives of young people. Nostalgia is also evident in the older generation’s efforts to encourage youth to continue with traditional sports such as biathlon, ski jumping, and cross-country skiing. This nostalgia, which sustains traditional values in the shaping of bodies, can be understood as a response to societal restructuring and the decline of rural communities. A potential consequence is the limitation of opportunities for youth to explore new movement identities beyond traditionally valued physical activities.