Strategies of Adaptation: Post-Socialist Transformations of Romanian Women's Football in the 1990s

Abstract

The evolution of women's football in Romania during the 1990s was marked by significant socio-economic transformations following the fall of socialism. The abrupt transition to a capitalist economy dismantled the state-supported sports infrastructure, creating profound challenges for women's football. The players adapted to these conditions, utilizing strategies such as securing informal economic arrangements, leveraging social networks, and navigating resource limitations to sustain their careers. Oral histories, interviews with players and coaches, personal archives, and media reports provide insights into how football became an occupational identity. In this process, women negotiated systemic barriers, developing a collective identity while asserting agency within a male-dominated societal framework. The experiences of these athletes offer a deeper understanding of gender, work, and sports in post-socialist Eastern Europe, showcasing how football served as both a site of struggle and a platform for empowerment during a time of societal upheaval.