Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Fairchild, Emily
Abstract
In this thesis, I explore the theoretical relationship between dimensions of gender on the institutional level (ideology, organizational processes) and the interactional level (gendered accountability structures) that promote conventionally gendered embodiment among participants in BodyPump—an international group exercise class in which barbell weightlifting is the central activity. Data come from 15 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with BodyPump Instructors. BodyPump is an interesting site to study gender because weightlifting is conventionally associated with masculinity, while the group exercise context is conventionally associated with femininity. In an analysis of instructors' talk, I find that BodyPump represents a site wherein prevailing gender ideology that is subordinating to women converges with organizational practices—in which gendered expectations for embodiment are institutionalized—to reproduce gendered convention.
Recommended Citation
Rowe, Charlie Eden, "“STRONG IS THE NEW SKINNY”: EXPLORING THE REPRODUCTION OF GENDER AS A STRUCTURE THROUGH PERSPECTIVES OF BODYPUMP INSTRUCTORS" (2018). Theses & ETDs. 5597.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5597