The legitimization of physical education at school: the body culture of movement as a language and condition for the possibility of knowledge

Abstract

BACKGROUND: School Physical Education was built through different historical pedagogical influences that produced marked interferences in the school, in the pedagogical practice of professionals immersed in this context, and, consequently, contributed to a state of identity crisis in Physical Education. 
OBJECTIVE: In view of this scenario, the main objective of this study is to reflect on the legitimacy of Physical Education as a component of the school curriculum. 
METHODS: This is a theoretical essay that proposes the problematization of school Physical Education, with emphasis on pedagogical interventions on the contents of body culture of movement. Firstly, there was a reflection and discussion about the object of study of Physical Education, later about its relevance, its place of belonging in the education system as a curricular component, and finally, about its conditions of possibility of knowledge from the scientific knowledge and common sense knowledge. 
RESULTS: The possibility of knowledge of Physical Education and, therefore, its legitimation, will occur through the harmonization between what differentiates it and what integrates it, that is, the arrangement between different manifestations of the movement’s body culture and language. 
CONCLUSION: It is important to highlight that it was not intended to produce prescriptive responses, but it is necessary to produce and discuss the curricular responsibility of Physical Education as a discipline, bringing to the fore further clarifications from the representative universe of this area of knowledge. In addition, we are aware that this study will not put an end to this whole theme. On the contrary, it is a starting point for new investigations and pedagogical interventions that can explore the contents of body culture of movement in Physical Education classes.