PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN UNESCO GUIDELINES: THE PARADIGM OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH IN THE FORMATION OF HUMAN CAPITAL

Abstract

This essay analyzes the paradigm of physical fitness and health promotion as a perspective in Physical Education (PE), based on the guidelines of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which regulate PE at international level. Our reference was the document “Quality Physical Education (QPE): guidelines for policy makers”. Two aspects are highlighted in these Guidelines: the nature of PE in the formation of the individuals and the cause-effect relationship between physical activity and health. Such elements allow us to point out that PE and sports as promoters of health and discipline are significant for the formation of human capital. Therefore, more important than performing physical activities is to elaborate on knowledge of bodily practices so that it increases the level of understanding about the phenomena, with an emancipatory character.