Bodybuilding: masculinity from muscularity

Abstract

This thesis is about motives and behaviours in a sport that reinforces and selects for certain beliefs. That sport is bodybuilding. Hard-core, male bodybuilders have created a lifestyle and subculture, in addition to a sport, in response to a perceived need to develop large, muscular bodies. This thesis aims to corroborate the proposition that - in a changing Western gender order, many men choose to take part in bodybuilding because, first, developed muscularity reinforces their sense of masculinity, and secondly, developed muscularity provides them with a sense of hegemonic masculinity, and therefore a sense of personal empowerment, to deal with insecurities and uphold traditional male prerogative. Data were gathered from in-depth interviews of a small sample of hard-core, male bodybuilders. The overall conclusion is that the proposition is valid. Many of the participants did choose to take part in bodybuilding for the motives proposed. Bodybuilding, because of its extremism, can be a lesson for all men, macho or 'pencil necks', who believe the male body to be the embodiment of true masculinity and power.