Physical Activity and Health in Society

In this unit, students explore the social, cultural and policy factors that shape the knowledge base, participation levels and individual experiences of physical activity. There is a focus on situating physical (in)activity within the broad structure of the health and sport systems in Australia and students critically interrogate the impact of physical activity policy and practice through a social determinants model of health. The unit aims to prepare professionals in the fields of exercise and sport science to understand and articulate the relationship between physical activity, society and public health and to enable them to become effective, sensitive and responsive practitioners who recognise the intersectional aspects of diversity including, but not limited to, sexuality, aging, (dis)ability, culture, gender, and knowledge systems, and how these might shape clients’ experiences and perspectives of physical activity, health and the body.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Contextualise physical activity knowledge, experiences and interventions within the broader culture and structure of sport in Australia
2. Critically analyse physical (in)activity data and interventions using a social determinants model of health and acknowledging intersectional aspects of diversity; and
3. Articulate the relationship between physical activity, society and public health