Monadic, Material and Meaningful: A Phenomenological Study into Language, Space and Female Embodiment in Track Athletics Culture
Abstract
This study focuses on a close group of female, semi-elite track athletes of which I am a part, where the body is central to the self in a postmodern body project (Shilling, 2012). It highlights the lived experiences and relationships this group have with their bodies and with other bodies across social spaces (the gym, athletics centre and coffee shop). A Phenomenological approach frames the study methodologically, with ethnographic methods employed and narrative reflection central to data collection. Franks (1991; 1995) work was utilised as a lens to explore forms of body-usage across spaces. Findings illustrate how this sporting subculture produces extreme mirroring and disciplined bodies that are highly monadic in their usage. It reveals how body-selves and body-usage is retained within social spaces through language and spatial organisation. Additionally, it expands on conceptual understandings of social spaces in the transference of body-usage in athletes. Problems associated with an extreme mirroring body and further explorations of ever changing female sexualities in sporting contexts are considered.
Collections
- Masters Degrees (Sport) [168]
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, subject and abstract.
-
Monadic, Material and Meaningful: A Phenomenological Study into Language, Space and Female Embodiment in Track Athletics Culture
Pullen, Emma (2013-01)This study focuses on a close group of female, semi-elite track athletes of which I am a part, where the body is central to the self in a postmodern body project (Shilling, 2012). It highlights the lived experiences and ... -
Three core conditions: Exploring the coach-athlete relationship
Bolwell, Ollie (Cardiff Metropolitan University, 2014)This paper firstly aims to conceptualise Rogers (1961) three core conditions of care within the coach-athlete relationship. It is important to note that Rogers framework cannot be methodically shadowed to create 'care' ... -
Social Theory: A Power Analysis of University Performance Sport
Mitchell, Fiona (University of Wales, 2011)The key theory involved in this research is of a social nature, it applies the social theories of habitus, field, capital and social space to the coach athlete relationship. Drawing from previous research, this study aims ...