Abstract
The aim of this study is to analyze the appropriations of the cultural-historical theory in the understanding of the corporeal culture, considering the specificity of gymnastics, in the scientific research on physical education. Six Brazilian periodicals have been selected: Revista Movimento. Revista Motriz, Physical Education Journal of the State University of Paraná/UEM, Brazilian Journal of Sports Science, Brazilian Journal of Physical Education and Sports – USP, and Revista Pensar a Prática, which were published between the years of 1990 and 2014, and were catalogued and analyzed through the cultural-historical theory. 132 manuscripts were found on gymnastics, out of which only three referenced the cultural-historical theory. Those studies have summed up assumptions that opposed Vygotsky’s theory, while mixing Marx’s historical materialism with constructivism and progressive education. Vygotsky’s psychological studies may contribute to the appropriation of human culture and for the teaching and learning of the corporeal culture. Those studies, however, demand a strict appropriation of their theoretical and philosophical roots, as well as of their critical perspective against the current social and pedagogical relations and practices.
Keywords
cultural-historical theory; gymnastics; school physical education