Strong and Hard Women

An ethnography of female bodybuilding

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Crimes & Criminals, Criminology
Cover of the book Strong and Hard Women by Tanya Bunsell, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Tanya Bunsell ISBN: 9781136250859
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 12, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Tanya Bunsell
ISBN: 9781136250859
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 12, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Females with large muscles evoke strong reactions from men and women, often involving disgust, discomfort, anger and threat. The controversial nature of female bodybuilding has caused a significant rupture on feminist ground. Whilst proponents claim that female bodybuilding is a way of empowering and liberating women, others see it as a form of corporeal entrapment. This book investigates the controversy. Do women who pump iron resist physical restrictions of imposed femininity, or are they engaged in an ultimately oppressive quest for ‘perfect bodies’?

In an original two year ethnographic study based in the South of England, Tanya Bunsell immersed herself into the world of female bodybuilders. By mapping these extraordinary women’s lives, the research illuminates the pivotal spaces and essential lived experiences that make up the female bodybuilder. Whilst the women appear to be embarking on an ‘empowering’ radical body project for themselves, the consequences of their activity remains culturally ambivalent. This research exposes the ‘Janus-faced’ nature of female bodybuilding, exploring the ways in which the women negotiate, accommodate and resist pressures to engage in more orthodox and feminine activities and appearances.

This book will be of interest to academics and students in the fields of gender studies, the sociology of sport, the body and research methodology.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Females with large muscles evoke strong reactions from men and women, often involving disgust, discomfort, anger and threat. The controversial nature of female bodybuilding has caused a significant rupture on feminist ground. Whilst proponents claim that female bodybuilding is a way of empowering and liberating women, others see it as a form of corporeal entrapment. This book investigates the controversy. Do women who pump iron resist physical restrictions of imposed femininity, or are they engaged in an ultimately oppressive quest for ‘perfect bodies’?

In an original two year ethnographic study based in the South of England, Tanya Bunsell immersed herself into the world of female bodybuilders. By mapping these extraordinary women’s lives, the research illuminates the pivotal spaces and essential lived experiences that make up the female bodybuilder. Whilst the women appear to be embarking on an ‘empowering’ radical body project for themselves, the consequences of their activity remains culturally ambivalent. This research exposes the ‘Janus-faced’ nature of female bodybuilding, exploring the ways in which the women negotiate, accommodate and resist pressures to engage in more orthodox and feminine activities and appearances.

This book will be of interest to academics and students in the fields of gender studies, the sociology of sport, the body and research methodology.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Inclusive Leadership in Higher Education by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Metamorphosis Transylvaniae by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Introducing Translation Studies by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Dystopia and Economics by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Beyond Conservation by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Local Ownership in International Peacebuilding by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Learning To Teach in an Age of Accountability by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Ars et Ingenium: The Embodiment of Imagination in Francesco di Giorgio Martini's Drawings by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Architectures of Transversality by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Opec by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Delarivier Manley by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Interpretations of History by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Bourdieu's Theory of Social Fields by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Political Roles and Military Rulers by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Literacy and Multimodality Across Global Sites by Tanya Bunsell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy