Physical inactivity is a major underlying cause of premature death. However, participation in exercise and physical activity can counteract this. The literature indicates that participation in sport and physical activity is especially low amongst females of low socioeconomic status. Therefore, females of low socioeconomic status are not gaining from the health benefits and are at a disadvantage. This paper aims to understand the constraints and enablers to sport and exercise participation experienced by femailes of low socioeconomic status. This study adopted a qualitative approach. Six semi-structuured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. These transcripts were then analysed line-by-line using deductive thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo. The key findings that emerged from this study were considered under the Self Determination theory by Ryan and Deci. Perceived ability and gender stereotypes emerged as being factors that caused amotivation. Choice of sport emerged as a factor that impacted intrinsic motivation. While, parental support and body image emerged as external factors to motivation. It is recommended that future studies are conducted to examine gender and social class together rather than viewing them as two separate contexts to gain a more accurate perception of the trends of participation in sport and physical activity among this cohort.
