While the preponderance of female yoga practitioners is often cited as being in need of correction, it may also be viewed as a strength. Women are the primary consumers/shoppers and caregivers; thus, their lifestyle choices impact their families in quantifiable ways. For the majority of middle- to upper-class Caucasian female yoga practitioners this is a positive feedback loop; they have the resources necessary to shop, cook healthy meals, exercise, and practice yoga. This includes time, money, childcare, supportive partnerships, and education.
Yet, for working-class or single-parent families where women must take on extra hours or jobs in addition to their caregiving roles, these resources are harder to come by, inhibiting self-care behaviors. Consequentially, stress and stress-related illnesses increase, compounded by economic and relationship insecurity. As a ripple effect, other family members are less likely to internalize healthy models of functioning.
Add to this transnational yoga culture’s flashy, flexy, youthful, and exotic media persona, which screams exclusivity and wealth, and it’s easy to see why yoga might feel inaccessible. Like weekly massages or shopping at Whole Foods, the culture of yoga has become an identity for the elite, largely prohibitive for the underprivileged.
Yet, this doesn’t mean we should give up. Drilling beneath yoga culture to the roots—to the teachings themselves—conveys a richness that transcends socioeconomic status and the trappings of yoga consumerism. True, in today’s society it’s easier to engage in yoga, other self-care strategies, and the yoga subculture with more resources. But yoga doesn’t require $100 yoga mats or pants, eating organic only, attending exclusive retreats/trainings, trips to India, or regular studio classes.
Many yoga classes are available for free online, as well as lectures describing techniques such as mindfulness and breathing; these can be practiced anytime, anywhere. In many cities there are also donation-based or free community classes offered at yoga studios, churches, and in other settings. Gyms and YMCAs often include yoga in the membership, and feature a more diverse constituency. Kripalu Center offers need-based scholarships for attendance at workshops and trainings. And tips abound for developing and sticking to a home-based yoga practice, which preliminary research suggests may confer the greatest benefits.
To broaden yoga’s practitioner base, it’s important to train instructors—men, and those from lower-income and diverse populations—who will bring these practices back to their communities. While some organizations focus actively in this area, more widespread and active efforts are needed. Finally, we would all benefit from wider exposure to those who don’t fit into transnational yoga culture’s cookie cutter mold. For example, Kripalu has made the case for a yoga that serves everyone, which the larger community could stand to learn from.
What are your thoughts about diversity and yoga, and what are some ways to expand yoga’s accessibility into broader populations?
Editor's Note: This is Part Two of a two-part series. Read Part One here.
