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 Domesticity and Consumer Culture in Iran by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Overruling Democracy by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Immigrant Life in the US by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Understanding Workplace Information Systems by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book RADICAL CONSTRUCTIVISM by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Educating Our Black Children by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Mary Cholmondeley Reconsidered by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book The Soviet Secondary School by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Policing, Race and Racism by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Tourist Customer Service Satisfaction by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Special Needs in Ordinary Classrooms by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Wittgenstein and the Tractatus by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book The Heyday of Sir Walter Scott by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book Broadening the Base of Addiction Mutual Support Groups by Tanya Bunsell
Cover of the book All's Well, That Ends Well 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