Journal Facts

Journal
Auto/Biography
ISSN
0967-5507
Volume
13
Issue
2

Article Facts

Title
The Muscled Self and Its Aftermath: A Life History Study of an Elite, Black, Male Bodybuilder
DOI
10.1177/09675507050130020301
Authors
  • Andrew C. Sparkes (University of Exeter, UK, A.C.Sparkes at exeter.ac.uk)
  • Joanne Batey (University College Winchester, UK)
  • David Brown (University of Exeter, UK)
Pages
131-160

Article Links

The Muscled Self and Its Aftermath: A Life History Study of an Elite, Black, Male Bodybuilder

Andrew C. Sparkes (University of Exeter, UK, A.C.Sparkes at exeter.ac.uk), Joanne Batey (University College Winchester, UK), David Brown (University of Exeter, UK)

DOI: 10.1177/09675507050130020301

Abstract

This article draws on the life history of an elite, black, male bodybuilder to explore the social meanings of muscle in the construction and confirmation of specific forms of masculine identity. Attention is given to childhood experiences in a hostile environment and how this initiated a quest for a hyper-muscular body. Having successfully achieved this aim by winning a British Championship a turning point moment prematurely terminates his sporting career. The aftermath of this moment for his sense of self are examined by focusing on experiences of the following: negative pain, an atrophying body, the loss of a disciplined body and an athletic identity, and becoming `black again' in a small body. Finally, some reflections on the muscled self and its aftermath are provided.

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