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Gender, Athletes' Rights, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender)
by Helen Jefferson LenskyjDisputes over gender, doping, and eligibility in Olympic sport are widely covered in sport studies and in the mainstream media. Less well known are the functions of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and the threat it poses to athletes’ rights by depriving them of access to their own countries’ court systems. CAS loosely follows the model of international arbitration tribunals. As in forced arbitration outside of sport, employees – in this case, high performance athletes – sign contracts agreeing to arbitration rather than litigation as the sole means of dispute resolution. Promoting the concept of sport exceptionalism, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) justifies the power it exercises through CAS by claiming that sport must be autonomous and self-regulating, with disputes settled by specialist arbitrators. Arguments in support of this position point to lex sportiva (global sports law) as a valid legal principle in sport-related disputes, which, it is claimed, cannot be understood or resolved by non-specialists. Self-regulation works effectively to protect the Olympic industry brand by keeping disputes ‘in the family’. This critical analysis of CAS's history and functions demonstrates how athletes’ rights are threatened by the forced arbitration process at CAS. In particular, CAS decisions involving female and gender-variant athletes, and racialized men and women, reflect numerous injustices. As well as the chronic problem of CAS’s lack of independence, other issues examined here include confidentiality, lex sportiva, non-precedential awards, the closed list of specialist arbitrators, and, in doping cases, questions concerning strict liability and burden of proof.
Gender-Based Violence in Children’s Sport (Women, Sport and Physical Activity)
by Gretchen KerrThis book addresses the major forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in children’s sport, including sexual, physical, and psychological violence and neglect. It reviews the historical, sociocultural, and political influences on violence towards children, and sets out future agendas for research and practice to eliminate GBV in sport. The book argues that for GBV to occur and be sustained over time, it must be facilitated by a system that enables this violence, protects the perpetrator, disables bystanders, silences the victims, and/or fails to provide a structure by which to address victims’ or bystanders’ concerns. Drawing on empirical research from across a range of disciplines, including sport sociology, sport psychology, developmental psychology, and coaching, and examining real life case studies of GBV in sport at all levels, the book makes a powerful case for radical change in our current systems of sport governance, safeguarding, and athlete welfare. This is important reading for any student, researcher, policy-maker, coach, welfare officer or counsellor with an interest in sport, gender studies, safeguarding, criminology, or sociology. An electronic version of this book is freely available, thanks to the support of libraries working with Knowledge Unlatched (KU). KU is a collaborative initiative designed to make high quality books Open Access for the public good. The Open Access ISBN for this book is 9781003035138. More information about the initiative and links to the Open Access version can be found at www.knowledgeunlatched.org.
Gender-Based Violence in Children’s Sport (Women, Sport and Physical Activity)
by Gretchen KerrThis book addresses the major forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in children’s sport, including sexual, physical, and psychological violence and neglect. It reviews the historical, sociocultural, and political influences on violence towards children, and sets out future agendas for research and practice to eliminate GBV in sport. The book argues that for GBV to occur and be sustained over time, it must be facilitated by a system that enables this violence, protects the perpetrator, disables bystanders, silences the victims, and/or fails to provide a structure by which to address victims’ or bystanders’ concerns. Drawing on empirical research from across a range of disciplines, including sport sociology, sport psychology, developmental psychology, and coaching, and examining real life case studies of GBV in sport at all levels, the book makes a powerful case for radical change in our current systems of sport governance, safeguarding, and athlete welfare. This is important reading for any student, researcher, policy-maker, coach, welfare officer or counsellor with an interest in sport, gender studies, safeguarding, criminology, or sociology. An electronic version of this book is freely available, thanks to the support of libraries working with Knowledge Unlatched (KU). KU is a collaborative initiative designed to make high quality books Open Access for the public good. The Open Access ISBN for this book is 9781003035138. More information about the initiative and links to the Open Access version can be found at www.knowledgeunlatched.org.
Gender Diversity and Sport: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Gender and Sexualities in Psychology)
by Gemma L. WitcombThis timely and urgent text presents cutting-edge research exploring the complexities of barriers to inclusive access to sport and physical activity, and discusses how sport, and society, can move forward beyond the gender binary, in both theory and practice. Sport is one of the most influential, powerful, and visible institutions upholding the gender binary, even as the number of people identifying as transgender and non-binary increases rapidly worldwide. With this rising visibility, societal pressure has been increasing for the equal acceptance of gender diverse people, but while gains have been made in many areas, the participation of intersex, trans and non-binary people in sport remains harshly contested. Bringing together a world-leading team of established and emerging scholars from the UK, USA, and Australia, this collection presents an interdisciplinary analysis of current issues related to the participation of gender diverse individuals in sport and physical activity. Engaging with psychological ideas around identity, prejudice and discrimination, and sports psychology and performance, authors examine evidence that the rules, regulations, and practices that surround physical activity participation – from elite sport to sport in schools, universities, and society at large – are grounded in heteronormative, cisgendered, and sexist practices which unfairly discriminate against gender diverse people. Also including analysis of personal accounts from non-binary and transgender athletes from a range of sports, this is fascinating and essential reading for education, health, and sports professionals who work with and support gender diverse children and adults, as well as academics and students in the fields of psychology, sport psychology, sociology, law, and sports science, and those participating in, and navigating, sport and physical activity spaces.
Gender Diversity and Sport: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Gender and Sexualities in Psychology)
by Gemma Witcomb Elizabeth PeelThis timely and urgent text presents cutting-edge research exploring the complexities of barriers to inclusive access to sport and physical activity, and discusses how sport, and society, can move forward beyond the gender binary, in both theory and practice. Sport is one of the most influential, powerful, and visible institutions upholding the gender binary, even as the number of people identifying as transgender and non-binary increases rapidly worldwide. With this rising visibility, societal pressure has been increasing for the equal acceptance of gender diverse people, but while gains have been made in many areas, the participation of intersex, trans and non-binary people in sport remains harshly contested. Bringing together a world-leading team of established and emerging scholars from the UK, USA, and Australia, this collection presents an interdisciplinary analysis of current issues related to the participation of gender diverse individuals in sport and physical activity. Engaging with psychological ideas around identity, prejudice and discrimination, and sports psychology and performance, authors examine evidence that the rules, regulations, and practices that surround physical activity participation – from elite sport to sport in schools, universities, and society at large – are grounded in heteronormative, cisgendered, and sexist practices which unfairly discriminate against gender diverse people. Also including analysis of personal accounts from non-binary and transgender athletes from a range of sports, this is fascinating and essential reading for education, health, and sports professionals who work with and support gender diverse children and adults, as well as academics and students in the fields of psychology, sport psychology, sociology, law, and sports science, and those participating in, and navigating, sport and physical activity spaces.
Gender Diversity in European Sport Governance (Routledge Research in Sport, Culture and Society)
by Agnes Elling Jorid Hovden Annelies KnoppersGender equality is one of the founding democratic principles of the EU. However, recent studies of the Federation of Olympic Sports in Europe have shown that women occupy only fourteen percent of decision-making positions in sport organizations. This book presents a comprehensive and comparative study of how various regions and countries of Europe have addressed this lack of gender diversity, discussing which strategies have brought about change and to what extent these changes have been successful. With contributions from leading sport sociologists, covering countries such as Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the UK, it provides a foundation for future policymaking, methodological analyses and theoretical developments that can result in sustainable gender equality in European sport governance. Gender Diversity in European Sport Governance is important reading for scholars and students in the fields of sociology of sport, sport management, sociology, gender studies and studies of organization, management and leadership. It is also a valuable resource for policy makers in the EU, as well as national sport organizations and activists.
Gender Diversity in European Sport Governance (Routledge Research in Sport, Culture and Society)
by Agnes Elling Jorid Hovden Annelies KnoppersGender equality is one of the founding democratic principles of the EU. However, recent studies of the Federation of Olympic Sports in Europe have shown that women occupy only fourteen percent of decision-making positions in sport organizations. This book presents a comprehensive and comparative study of how various regions and countries of Europe have addressed this lack of gender diversity, discussing which strategies have brought about change and to what extent these changes have been successful. With contributions from leading sport sociologists, covering countries such as Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey and the UK, it provides a foundation for future policymaking, methodological analyses and theoretical developments that can result in sustainable gender equality in European sport governance. Gender Diversity in European Sport Governance is important reading for scholars and students in the fields of sociology of sport, sport management, sociology, gender studies and studies of organization, management and leadership. It is also a valuable resource for policy makers in the EU, as well as national sport organizations and activists.
Gender Equality and the Olympic Programme (Women, Sport and Physical Activity)
by Michele K. DonnellyThis innovative study examines the Olympic programme from a critical feminist perspective, to shed new light on the issues of gender and inclusion at the Olympic Games and in the Olympic Movement. Incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, the book identifies and analyzes the changes – and remaining gender differences – made on the Olympic Programmes for London 2012, and each of the subsequent Summer and Winter Olympic Games (Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, and Pyeongchang 2018), as well as the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Games. The book draws on the IOC&’s own publications, information from International and National Sport Federations, and media sources to describe and explain the IOC&’s slow and uneven progress toward gender equality at the Olympic Games. This is important reading for any student, researcher, practitioner or policy maker with an interest in the Olympic Games, sport studies, gender studies, women&’s sport or major events.
Gender Equality and the Olympic Programme (Women, Sport and Physical Activity)
by Michele K. DonnellyThis innovative study examines the Olympic programme from a critical feminist perspective, to shed new light on the issues of gender and inclusion at the Olympic Games and in the Olympic Movement. Incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, the book identifies and analyzes the changes – and remaining gender differences – made on the Olympic Programmes for London 2012, and each of the subsequent Summer and Winter Olympic Games (Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, and Pyeongchang 2018), as well as the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Games. The book draws on the IOC&’s own publications, information from International and National Sport Federations, and media sources to describe and explain the IOC&’s slow and uneven progress toward gender equality at the Olympic Games. This is important reading for any student, researcher, practitioner or policy maker with an interest in the Olympic Games, sport studies, gender studies, women&’s sport or major events.
Gender Equity in UK Sport Leadership and Governance (Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender)
by Philippa Velija, Lucy PiggottGender Equity in UK Sport Leadership and Governance goes beyond the headlines to provide a timely analyses of current strategy, policy, structure, and practice relating to gender equity in the leadership and governance of sport in the UK. It brings together the expertise and empirical insights from the work of scholars who are researching in this field. Providing theoretical and historical insights, the first part of this edited collection includes chapters on intersectionality and the history of women in sport leadership and governance. The chapters in the second part explore gender equity in the UK home nations, analysing policy and practice within each home country, while problematising the complexity of a dual approach that includes devolved nation policies and UK policies. The final element draws together chapters that explore organisational practices and the gender pay gap and makes visible the everyday experiences of women working in the sector. For those working in sport and researching gender equity, this collection provides evidence-based suggestions on ways we can evidence and create change within the sector through future research and applied practice.
Gender Equity in UK Sport Leadership and Governance (Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender)
by Philippa Velija Lucy PiggottGender Equity in UK Sport Leadership and Governance goes beyond the headlines to provide a timely analyses of current strategy, policy, structure, and practice relating to gender equity in the leadership and governance of sport in the UK. It brings together the expertise and empirical insights from the work of scholars who are researching in this field. Providing theoretical and historical insights, the first part of this edited collection includes chapters on intersectionality and the history of women in sport leadership and governance. The chapters in the second part explore gender equity in the UK home nations, analysing policy and practice within each home country, while problematising the complexity of a dual approach that includes devolved nation policies and UK policies. The final element draws together chapters that explore organisational practices and the gender pay gap and makes visible the everyday experiences of women working in the sector. For those working in sport and researching gender equity, this collection provides evidence-based suggestions on ways we can evidence and create change within the sector through future research and applied practice.
Gender, Family and Society
by Faith Robertson ElliotContemporary struggles over the ordering of sexual and parental relationships take place in the context of mass unemployment, ethnic antagonism, population ageing, a growing awareness of the pervasiveness of violence and sexual abuse in intimate relationships and the eruption of AIDS as a major health crisis. Gender, Family and Society seeks to provide a sociological understanding of the way in which these key aspects of contemporary social life shape, and are shaped by, gender and family structures.
Gender in Physical Culture: Crossing Boundaries - Reconstituting Cultures (Sport in the Global Society – Contemporary Perspectives)
by Natalie Barker-Ruchti Karin Grahn Eva-Carin LindgrenThis volume outlines existing research relating to gender in physical culture. The introductory chapter employs Lamont and Molnàr’s (2002) idea of ‘boundaries’ as visible and invisible socially constructed borders that create social differences, as the theoretical framework for the book. Seven empirically-driven case studies follow which, on the one hand, demonstrate how boundary ‘work’ has taken and is taking place at the level of media, institutions, communities and individuals; and on the other hand, show how individuals, groups of individuals and organisations challenge and change dominant gender discourses and practices. The wide variety of rich case materials reveal how gender ideals not only normalize, but are actively and purposefully negotiated and transformed to create individualised and inclusive physical culture contexts. The final chapter explores how the book builds on and extends existing gender and physical culture research.This book was originally published as a special issue of the journal Sport in Society.
Gender in Physical Culture: Crossing Boundaries - Reconstituting Cultures (Sport in the Global Society – Contemporary Perspectives)
by Natalie Barker–Ruchti Karin Grahn Eva–Carin LindgrenThis volume outlines existing research relating to gender in physical culture. The introductory chapter employs Lamont and Molnàr’s (2002) idea of ‘boundaries’ as visible and invisible socially constructed borders that create social differences, as the theoretical framework for the book. Seven empirically-driven case studies follow which, on the one hand, demonstrate how boundary ‘work’ has taken and is taking place at the level of media, institutions, communities and individuals; and on the other hand, show how individuals, groups of individuals and organisations challenge and change dominant gender discourses and practices. The wide variety of rich case materials reveal how gender ideals not only normalize, but are actively and purposefully negotiated and transformed to create individualised and inclusive physical culture contexts. The final chapter explores how the book builds on and extends existing gender and physical culture research.This book was originally published as a special issue of the journal Sport in Society.
Gender, Media, Sport (Sport in the Global Society – Contemporary Perspectives)
by Susanna Hedenborg Gertrud PfisterDespite the position that sport occupies at the centre of public attention, and despite the billions of consumers and immense coverage which it attracts from around the globe, it seems that the media prioritise coverage of only a very small fraction of sporting events, and a few prominent athletes. It goes without saying that sport in the media is dominated by men – they are a large majority among athletes, consumers, journalists, and producers. This book will shed new light on the long discussed question of gendered sporting coverage, in an era when the Olympics can be dubbed the ‘women’s games’. Some of the contributions present new perspectives such as: the relationship between media and sport in Poland; media presentations of men and women in gender ‘adequate’ and ‘inadequate’ sports; competition between women and men participating in the same events; the presentation of celebrities; and the framing of doping within the context of gender relations. Furthermore, the book focuses not only on athletes, sports and events, but also on consumers, such as hooligans and their brand of masculinity, and on journalists, such as Mike Penner, who attempted to transgress gender boundaries. This book was originally published as a special issue of Sport in Society.
Gender, Media, Sport (Sport in the Global Society – Contemporary Perspectives)
by Susanna Hedenborg and Gertrud PfisterDespite the position that sport occupies at the centre of public attention, and despite the billions of consumers and immense coverage which it attracts from around the globe, it seems that the media prioritise coverage of only a very small fraction of sporting events, and a few prominent athletes. It goes without saying that sport in the media is dominated by men – they are a large majority among athletes, consumers, journalists, and producers. This book will shed new light on the long discussed question of gendered sporting coverage, in an era when the Olympics can be dubbed the ‘women’s games’. Some of the contributions present new perspectives such as: the relationship between media and sport in Poland; media presentations of men and women in gender ‘adequate’ and ‘inadequate’ sports; competition between women and men participating in the same events; the presentation of celebrities; and the framing of doping within the context of gender relations. Furthermore, the book focuses not only on athletes, sports and events, but also on consumers, such as hooligans and their brand of masculinity, and on journalists, such as Mike Penner, who attempted to transgress gender boundaries. This book was originally published as a special issue of Sport in Society.
Gender, Politics and Change in Mountaineering: Moving Mountains (Global Culture and Sport Series)
by Jenny Hall Emma Boocock Zoë AvnerThis book is the first edited collection to offer an intersectional account of gender in mountaineering adventure sports and leisure. It provides original theoretical, methodological, and empirical insights into mountain spaces as sites of socio-cultural production and transformation. The book shows how gender matters in the twenty-first century, and illustrates that there is a need for greater efforts to mainstream difference in representations and governance structures if we are to improve equality in adventure, sporting and leisure spaces. The interdisciplinary volume represents scholars from theoretical as well as applied perspectives across adventure, tourism, sport science, sports coaching, psychology, geography, sociology and outdoor studies.
Gender Politics and the Olympic Industry (Palgrave Studies in the Olympic and Paralympic Games)
by H. LenskyjThis book explores how the Olympic industry has shaped hegemonic concepts of sporting masculinities and femininities for its own profit and image-making ends, examining its continuing marginalization of athletes on account of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and class.
Gender Politics in US College Athletic Departments: The Case of the University of Minnesota Merger
by Lisa A. Kihl Vicki D. Schull Sally ShawThis book examines the gendered politics in the context of a merger of the women’s and men’s athletic departments at the University of Minnesota over a ten year plus span. Examining the athletic department merger helps us understand women's continual under-representation in University athletics despite Title IX legislation passing 40 years ago. Using interview with organizational stakeholders and archival document data, the book explores how organizational change in the form of a merger is gendered with relation to the premerger, merged, post-merger stages.
Gender, Sport and Society: An Introduction
by Hanya PielichatyIntroducing the core concepts, issues and debates in the study of gender and sport, this is an accessible, engaging and thought-provoking textbook for anyone studying or interested in sport. It highlights the complexity of the gendered sporting world. Exploring inequalities in society that are reflected in sporting spaces and practices, and offering practical guidance on how to develop study skills and critical thinking, this textbook empowers readers to view the world in a different way. The book explores the social and political aspects of gender, sport and society, as well as their intersection with race/ethnicity, dis/ability, and sexualities. Introducing the basics of gender theory as applied to sport, and placing equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of the discussion, the book explores key themes, current issues and hot topics, such as women in esports, mental health, and parenthood. The book also looks at how gender and gender stereotypes play out in the world of sport business and management. The reader is asked to co-create the textbook’s narrative by engaging with several pedagogical features, such as ‘stop and think’ and seminar activities, requesting the reader to be an active and critical participant. The compact and considered chapters will help to break down the complexity involved in this subject area. The final chapter is dedicated to study skills and practical learning advice, acting as a study guide to complement the discipline-rich chapters that come before it. This textbook is written from practitioner-educator experience ensuring the content is degree-specific, critically positioned, and most importantly, inclusive and accessible. Full of useful features in every chapter, from subject ‘insights’ to guides on further reading, media links and other sources, as well as example assignment questions, this is an indispensable textbook for all students of gender and sport, women and sport, the sporting body, sport and society, social issues in sport, inclusion in sport, and sport development, and fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in sport, gender studies or sociology more broadly.
Gender, Sport and Society: An Introduction
by Hanya PielichatyIntroducing the core concepts, issues and debates in the study of gender and sport, this is an accessible, engaging and thought-provoking textbook for anyone studying or interested in sport. It highlights the complexity of the gendered sporting world. Exploring inequalities in society that are reflected in sporting spaces and practices, and offering practical guidance on how to develop study skills and critical thinking, this textbook empowers readers to view the world in a different way. The book explores the social and political aspects of gender, sport and society, as well as their intersection with race/ethnicity, dis/ability, and sexualities. Introducing the basics of gender theory as applied to sport, and placing equity, diversity and inclusion at the heart of the discussion, the book explores key themes, current issues and hot topics, such as women in esports, mental health, and parenthood. The book also looks at how gender and gender stereotypes play out in the world of sport business and management. The reader is asked to co-create the textbook’s narrative by engaging with several pedagogical features, such as ‘stop and think’ and seminar activities, requesting the reader to be an active and critical participant. The compact and considered chapters will help to break down the complexity involved in this subject area. The final chapter is dedicated to study skills and practical learning advice, acting as a study guide to complement the discipline-rich chapters that come before it. This textbook is written from practitioner-educator experience ensuring the content is degree-specific, critically positioned, and most importantly, inclusive and accessible. Full of useful features in every chapter, from subject ‘insights’ to guides on further reading, media links and other sources, as well as example assignment questions, this is an indispensable textbook for all students of gender and sport, women and sport, the sporting body, sport and society, social issues in sport, inclusion in sport, and sport development, and fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in sport, gender studies or sociology more broadly.
Gender Testing in Sport: Ethics, cases and controversies (Ethics and Sport)
by Sandy Montanola Aurélie OlivesiAfter the young South African athlete Caster Semenya won the 800m title at the 2009 World Championships she was obliged to undergo gender testing and was temporarily withdrawn from international competition. The way that this controversy unfolded represents a rich and multi-layered example of the construction of gender in wider society and the interrelationships between sport, culture and the media. This is the first book to explore the case in depth, from socio-cultural, ethical and legal perspectives. Analysing what came to be called "the Caster Semenya Case" in a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary fashion, and covering issues from media discourses and the rhetoric and regulations of the sport’s governing bodies to the reaction of the athlete herself, the book explores the ethics of how gender norms in sport, and in society more generally, are constructed through appearance, behaviour and sporting performance. This 2009 controversy can be taken as an indicator of the tensions of the time, and served as a link between medical sciences, society and gender. Including discussions of key concepts such as 'intersex', 'body norms', and 'fairness', Gender Testing in Sport is fascinating and important reading for anybody with an interest in sport studies, gender studies or biomedical ethics.
Gender Testing in Sport: Ethics, cases and controversies (Ethics and Sport)
by Sandy Montañola Aurñlie OlivesiAfter the young South African athlete Caster Semenya won the 800m title at the 2009 World Championships she was obliged to undergo gender testing and was temporarily withdrawn from international competition. The way that this controversy unfolded represents a rich and multi-layered example of the construction of gender in wider society and the interrelationships between sport, culture and the media. This is the first book to explore the case in depth, from socio-cultural, ethical and legal perspectives. Analysing what came to be called "the Caster Semenya Case" in a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary fashion, and covering issues from media discourses and the rhetoric and regulations of the sport’s governing bodies to the reaction of the athlete herself, the book explores the ethics of how gender norms in sport, and in society more generally, are constructed through appearance, behaviour and sporting performance. This 2009 controversy can be taken as an indicator of the tensions of the time, and served as a link between medical sciences, society and gender. Including discussions of key concepts such as 'intersex', 'body norms', and 'fairness', Gender Testing in Sport is fascinating and important reading for anybody with an interest in sport studies, gender studies or biomedical ethics.
Gene Therapy and Tissue Engineering in Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine (Methods in Bioengineering)
by Johnny Huard Freddie H. FuThis book has been written in response to the many physicians and scien tists working on the development of biological approaches to providing therapies for many orthopaedic disorders as well as to improving the healing of many tissues of the musculoskeletal system. The first goal of this book is to make the language compatible between the bench scientist and the clinician working in orthopaedic and sports medicine in order to cover specific areas of the orthopaedic discipline where the treatment can be improved and/or changed by the advancements in molecular medicine. Advancements in molecular biology, which encompass the study of the genetic basis of disease, have produced new diagnostic methods and drug therapies for genetic diseases and acquired disorders. The growth in the understanding of human genetics has also led to the initiation of many human gene therapy experiments. Although many approved therapeutic clinical trials using this new technology have been performed in the last ten years, the first clinical trial using this technology in the area of orthopaedics was performed at the University of Pittsburgh.
A Genealogy of Male Bodybuilding: From classical to freaky (Routledge Research in Sport, Culture and Society)
by Dimitris LiokaftosBodybuilding has become an increasingly dominant part of popular gym culture within the last century. Developing muscles is now seen as essential for both general health and high performance sport. At the more extreme end, the monstrous built body has become a pop icon that continues to provoke fascination. This original and engaging study explores the development of male bodybuilding culture from the nineteenth century to the present day, tracing its transformations and offering a new perspective on its current extreme direction. Drawing on archival research, interviews, participant observation, and discourse analysis, this book presents a critical mapping of bodybuilding’s trajectory. Following this trajectory through the wider sociocultural changes it has been a part of, a unique combination of historical and empirical data is used to investigate the aesthetics of bodybuilding and the shifting notions of the good body and human nature they reflect. This book will be fascinating reading for all those interested in the history and culture of bodybuilding, as well as for students and researchers of the sociology of sport, gender and the body.