Tomando as rédeas

um estudo etnográfico da participação feminina e das relações de gênero no turfe brasileiro

Abstract

After a brief discussion of the history of the turf in Brazil and its gender dimensions, we present some early results from our current ethnographic study at the racetrack (Jockey Club do Paraná). We focus particularly on the difficulties of women's entrance in a milieu where homosocial relations prevail. While women veterinarians represent a new and relatively accepted professional category there, female jockeys, as young women who are largely of poor and working class background, must engage in an arduous struggle to carve a niche for themselves.
Keywords: the Brazilian turf; leisure and urban culture; gender and space; women athletes; masculinities