Conquering heights, challenging norms: the motives and experiences of elite female climbers in a patriarchal society

Limited research explores the motivations of women climbers, particularly within patriarchal societies where participation faces gender-related stereotypes and cultural prejudices. This study addresses this knowledge gap, aiming to understand how to promote female engagement in climbing as serious leisure, contributing to gender equality in tourism. Focusing on elite female climbers in Kazakhstan, this study investigates their motivations and resistance against dominant power structures. Utilizing self-determination theory, the concept of domination and resistance, and intersectional theory, this study employs interpretive phenomenological analysis of 16 personal accounts of female climbers. Findings reveal a variety of climbing motives including physiological, developmental, social, and psychological. A new motive, or a boundary condition contributing to climbing motives, is identified that showcases subtle forms of women’s resistance. These forms aim to assert women’s autonomy, defy societal norms and expectations, and enable subversive behavioural acts. By revealing resistance as a stand-alone motive or as a potential boundary condition contributing to other climbing motives, this study highlights how women, especially in patriarchal societies, navigate the complex intersection of traditional gender roles in pursuit of their climbing aspirations. The study provides recommendations for encouraging female participation in serious leisure within patriarchal societies and beyond, fostering inclusivity in tourism activities.