Critical Readings in Bodybuilding [Paperback]

In recent years the body has become one of the most popular areas of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Bodybuilding, in particular, continues to be of interest to scholars of gender, media, film, cultural studies and sociology. However, there is surprisingly little scholarship available on contemporary bodybuilding. Critical Readings in Bodybuildingis the first collection to address the contemporary practice of bodybuilding, especially the way in which the activity has become increasingly more extreme and to consider much neglected debates of gender, eroticism, and sexuality related to the activity. Featuring the leading scholars of bodybuilding and the body as well as emerging voices, this volume will be a key addition to the fields of Sociology, Sport Studies, and Cultural Studies.

Introduction: What is There to Say About Bodybuilding? Adam Locks and Niall Richardson  Part 1: Practices  Introduction: What is the Practice of Bodybuilding?Niall Richardson and Adam Locks  1. Barbie and the Beast: Emphasized Femininity, Labor and Power Relations among Fitness, Figure and Women Bodybuilding Competitors Anne Bolin  2. Accounting for Illicit Steroid Use: Bodybuilders Justifications Lee F. Monaghan  3. The Shame-Pride-Shame of the Muscled Self in Bodybuilding: A Life History Study Andrew Sparkes  4. Building Otherwise: Bodybuilding as Immersive Practice Leslie Heywood  5. Outside and Inside the Gym: Exploring the Identity of the Female Body Builder Tanya Bunsell and Chris Shilling  6. Bodybuilders, Love and Vanity: Why Professors Should Look in the Mirror More Often Doug Aoki  7. Bodybuilding and Health Work: A Life Course Perspective Brian Bailey and James Gillett &nlÃ3