Final answer:
The statement reflects the social constructivist view that physical activity is a cultural arena where gender roles and identities are enacted and learned. It is supported by anthropological and sociological research indicating that gender expectations and roles are deeply embedded in the practices and institutions within different societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion by M&W that physical activity is a cultural arena where people learn how to act, feel, and interpret the world like men and women can be aligned with the social constructivist perspective on gender.
This perspective posits that gender identities and roles are learned through socialization processes and vary across different cultures and historical periods. For example, figures from anthropology, such as Margaret Mead’s studies among the Arapesh, Mundugumor, and Tchambuli, illustrate how cultural contexts dictate differing expectations of masculinity and femininity.
In contemporary sociology and gender studies, it is recognized that institutions and everyday practices embed notions of gender expectations, often shaping the activities that individuals are encouraged to participate in. For instance, encouraging girls to engage in sports may not only open doors to non-traditional activities but also lead to greater professional opportunities and help in counteracting gender disparities, such as the wage gap.
Therefore, the statement from the question reflects the complex interplay between cultural expectations and individual behaviors, where physical activities serve as one of many areas where people can perpetuate or challenge traditional gender roles.