Firm but shapely, fit but sexy, strong but thin: The postmodern aerobicizing female bodies

Journal/Book: Sociol Sport J. 1995; 12: 1607 N Market St, Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076. Human Kinetics Publ Inc. 424-453.

Abstract: This paper aims to reconstruct the cultural dialogue surrounding the female body image in aerobics. To do this I have used several methods: ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and media analysis. I found that the media ideal is a contradiction: firm but shapely, fit but sexy, strong but thin. Likewise, women's relationships with the media image are contradictory: They struggle to obtain the ideal body, but they also find their battles ridiculous. I interpret my findings from a Foucaultian perspective to show how the discourse surrounding the female body image is a part of a complex use of power over women in postmodern consumer society. In addition, I assume a feminist perspective that assigns an active role to the individual aerobicizers to question the power arrangement.

Note: Article P Markula, Univ Waikato, Dept Leisure Studies, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand

Keyword(s): FLEX APPEAL; BODY; EMPOWERMENT; RESISTANCE; GENDER; WOMEN

Zurück | Weiter