In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the professional identity of educators plays a crucial role in shaping both teaching outcomes and the broader societal perception of their professions. A groundbreaking study led by Liu, Wang, and Fan, published in BMC Psychology in 2025, brings into sharp focus the nuanced professional identity of female physical education (PE) teachers in basic education in China. This investigation offers a comprehensive exploration of how these educators navigate complex social, cultural, and institutional challenges, asserting their professional self-conception in a field traditionally dominated by males and often underappreciated.
Physical education, long regarded as a marginal component in the academic curriculum in many countries, including China, is undergoing a significant transformation. The rising emphasis on holistic education that integrates physical well-being with cognitive development has elevated the role of PE teachers. For female PE teachers, this shift intersects with gender dynamics entrenched in both Chinese society and global educational systems, making their professional identity especially layered and complex.
The authors begin by contextualizing the historical marginalization of PE as an academic discipline within China’s basic education system, characterized by limited resources, gender biases, and societal undervaluation. They underscore how these systemic factors influence female PE teachers, whose professional identity is often shaped not only by personal vocation but also by external perceptions that tether their role to stereotypical notions of femininity and physicality.
At the crux of the study is a sophisticated analysis of identity formation processes among female PE teachers, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods to capture the intricate interplay between individual agency and structural constraints. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews alongside comprehensive surveys, systematically synthesizing data to reveal patterns that illuminate the teachers’ self-concept in relation to their work, professional challenges, and aspirations.
A pivotal finding of the study is that female PE teachers often experience a dual identity tension. On one hand, they derive strong professional pride from fostering student well-being and promoting lifelong health habits. On the other, they contend with persistent societal expectations that question their authority and seriousness compared to their male counterparts, thereby undermining their professional legitimacy.
Technically, the study employs frameworks from social identity theory and role identity theory to dissect the multifaceted dimensions of professional self-perception. Social identity theory provides a lens to understand how group affiliations — in this case, identification as female and as PE teachers — influence self-esteem and behavior. Role identity theory further elucidates how internalized role expectations and external role enactments intersect, thereby shaping identity salience and commitment.
Furthermore, the methodological rigor demonstrated by Liu and colleagues is noteworthy. They utilized stratified sampling across urban and rural schools, capturing a broad spectrum of experiences. The application of thematic content analysis on interview transcripts allowed for deep thematic saturation, while statistical validation of survey constructs assured the robustness of their conclusions.
The study also unpacks the influence of institutional policies on professional identity construction. It elaborates on how reforms in educational standards and gender equity initiatives both aid and hinder the empowerment of female PE teachers. While policy efforts aim to promote female teacher inclusion and enhance PE status, bureaucratic inertia and ingrained cultural prejudices often moderate these effects, creating an ambivalent professional environment.
The digital age and its associated social media platforms add another layer of complexity explored in the research. Female PE teachers leverage these technologies to create professional networks, share pedagogical innovations, and challenge stereotypes. However, exposure to online scrutiny and gendered criticisms also introduces new stressors affecting identity negotiation.
Mental health and well-being emerge as critical focal points, as the study highlights the psychological toll exacted by identity conflicts. The authors draw attention to the need for supportive infrastructures within schools, emphasizing mentoring programs, professional development workshops, and psychosocial counseling tailored to the unique experiences of female PE educators.
From an educational policy perspective, this research carries significant implications. It calls for a reevaluation of teacher evaluation metrics, professional recognition frameworks, and career advancement pathways to ensure that female PE teachers receive equitable treatment and validation. It advocates for systemic reforms that recognize the intrinsic value of PE as a discipline that significantly contributes to student development beyond physical fitness.
Another insightful dimension of the paper is its comparative cultural analysis. The authors contextualize their findings within a global framework by referencing literature on female PE teachers’ professional identity in Western and other Asian educational systems. Such cross-cultural perspectives underline both common challenges and culturally specific dynamics, enriching the discourse on gender, profession, and education.
Moreover, this study intervenes in ongoing debates surrounding gender equity in STEM and physically-oriented professions. By spotlighting female PE teachers, the research disrupts monolithic narratives about suitable professions for women and highlights the critical contributions women make in traditionally masculine domains.
The authors also explore practical strategies employed by female PE teachers to assert their professional identity. These include embracing continuous professional learning, cultivating leadership roles, and forging alliances with colleagues and community stakeholders. Their narratives reveal resilience and resourcefulness, providing valuable insights for teacher preparation programs and professional organizations.
Importantly, the paper does not shy away from addressing systemic barriers and potential points of intervention. It suggests that future research should explore longitudinal trajectories of female PE teachers’ identities, investigate male PE teachers’ perspectives for comparative analysis, and examine the impact of intersectional factors such as ethnicity and socioeconomic status on professional identity development.
In conclusion, the study by Liu, Wang, and Fan makes a seminal contribution to educational psychology, gender studies, and professional identity research. It unpacks the lived realities of female PE teachers in China’s basic education, blending empirical rigor with theoretical depth to unveil the complex identity work these educators engage in daily. As educational landscapes worldwide strive toward inclusivity and equity, such nuanced understandings are essential to formulating policies and practices that empower all teachers to thrive professionally and personally.
This research serves as a clarion call to educators, policymakers, and society at large, highlighting that the professional identity of female PE teachers is not merely a personal matter but a societal imperative with far-reaching implications for education quality, gender equality, and the holistic development of future generations.
Subject of Research: Professional identity of female physical education teachers in basic education in China
Article Title: Professional identity of female PE teachers in basic education in China
Article References:
Liu, Y., Wang, H. & Fan, S. Professional identity of female PE teachers in basic education in China. BMC Psychol 13, 815 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03155-4
Image Credits: AI Generated
