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.