Nearly 37 million U.S. adults practice yoga. More than 70 percent are women and 85 percent identify as white. But it’s not just that yoga is an incredibly homogenous white female culture; it’s also an astoundingly upper-class culture. As of 2017, more than 40 percent of yoga practitioners earned over $75,000 a year, and 25 percent over $100,000 annually. In other words, yoga studios are the new country clubs. As the 21st-century version of exclusive and elitist recreational spaces, these studios are often located next to a coffee shop, health food store, juice bar or a lifestyle boutique that sells Orientalist curios.
Those stats and statements are made by Rumya S. Putcha, Ph.D., in her article "The Trouble With Yoga."
Here stats are correct as is her concern. This is changing. Little by little people with limited discretionary income and people of color are making their way to yoga studios. Many centers don't turn people away due to lack of funds by offering work exchange opportunities, discounted class passes and even scholarships. Yet, there is more which needs to be done especially in finding effective ways of reaching under-served populations.
Those stats and statements are made by Rumya S. Putcha, Ph.D., in her article "The Trouble With Yoga."
Here stats are correct as is her concern. This is changing. Little by little people with limited discretionary income and people of color are making their way to yoga studios. Many centers don't turn people away due to lack of funds by offering work exchange opportunities, discounted class passes and even scholarships. Yet, there is more which needs to be done especially in finding effective ways of reaching under-served populations.
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