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From iron maiden to superwoman: The stochastic art of self-transformation and the deviant female sporting body

Shilling, Chris, Bunsell, Tanya (2014) From iron maiden to superwoman: The stochastic art of self-transformation and the deviant female sporting body. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 6 (4). pp. 478-798. ISSN 2159-676X. E-ISSN 2159-6778. (doi:10.1080/2159676X.2014.928897) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:41748)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2014.928897

Abstract

This paper develops a theoretically grounded account of one extraordinary individual’s journey from female bodybuilder to Strongwoman. It is set against the challenges socially marginalised sportswomen confront in seeking to forge a coherent identity amidst the competing demands of the social, practical and embodied environments that invariably impinge upon such quests. Highlighting the complexities and ambiguities of the regimes to which Sarah and other ‘gender outlaws’ dedicate themselves, we begin by suggesting that these sporting vocations constitute stochastic arts; the practical indeterminacies of which are exacerbated by both the ultimate frailty of the physical body and the social inequalities women confront in pursuing such activities. Focusing upon Sarah’s life-narrative, we then explore within this framework the pleasures and problems she encountered when participating in and switching from bodybuilding to Strongwoman competitions, and identify what is at stake in this sporting route to self-transformation.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/2159676X.2014.928897
Uncontrolled keywords: strongwomen, female bodybuilding, embodiment, stochastic arts, life\-narratives, health/pain/injury
Subjects: H Social Sciences
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Depositing User: Mita Mondal
Date Deposited: 11 Jul 2014 08:53 UTC
Last Modified: 17 Aug 2022 10:57 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/41748 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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