Musculinity: A Critical Visual Investigation of Male Body Culture

Abstract

While numerous research has focused on gender and fitness, few have explored the intersections of gender and fitness identity. While a significant volume of research has been dedicated to exploring women’s role within fitness spaces (Aubrey, 2006a, 2006b; Henderson-King, Henderson-King, & Hoffman, 2001; Kilbourne, 1994, 2003), research on men’s experiences in fitness spaces is not nearly as plentiful. In this project, I explored male body culture through the eyes of those actively engaged within it in an attempt to better understand how masculinity and muscularity collaboratively construct male identity. Using a multi-step protocol, I completed semistructured, in-depth interviews with 27 men regarding their experiences pursuing muscularity. Following the first interview, men were tasked with using photovoice—a participatory photography method—to capture their fitness experiences visually using a smartphone camera. After capturing these images, men then returned for a second interview to discuss these images and the self-reflexive activity. All interview data and corresponding images were analyzed via a critical/interpretivist-oriented process, and through the use of open and axial coding (Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Strauss & Corbin, 1998). Results revealed that male body culture is a unique space where the production of hegemonic masculinities occurs through the practices of body discipline. Men regarded the body as a type of currency; an aesthetic marker for the consumption of others. Consequently, men understood their bodies were always on display and primed themselves for the positive consumption of others both through performances of fitness and masculinity. These performances were interwoven, as men regarded their body discipline as a mechanism of masculinity and their masculinity as a mechanism of body discipline. These results are interpreted in light of relevant literature on hegemonic masculinity, body discipline, and methodological issues regarding the study of those in positions of power. Furthermore, in an effort to be self-reflexive, these results are interpreted in light of my own experiences within male body culture and weight loss.