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The Athletic Body.

Andrew Edgar1

  • 1Centre for Applied Ethics, Cardiff University, John Percival Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU, UK. edgar@cf.ac.uk.

Health Care Analysis : HCA : Journal of Health Philosophy and Policy
|September 12, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The contemporary athletic body, characterized by muscularity, offers an illusion of meaning in modern society. Female athletes, however, challenge these norms, opening up new narratives and possibilities.

Keywords:
BeautyHealthJohnny WeissmullerMichael PhelpsMonomythSuperheroes

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Area of Science:

  • Sociology of the body
  • Cultural studies of sport
  • Aesthetics of sport

Background:

  • The aesthetic ideal of the athletic body has shifted significantly over time.
  • Contemporary society faces increasing anomie and a perceived lack of meaning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the aesthetic appeal of the contemporary athletic body.
  • To analyze the meanings and values embodied by muscular and defined physiques.
  • To investigate the connection between athletic bodies, narrative potential, and the search for meaning.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of the athletic body as a cultural symbol.
  • Comparative analysis between contemporary athletes and comic book superheroes.
  • Exploration of the socio-cultural context of body image and meaning-making.

Main Results:

  • The muscular, defined athletic body has become an aesthetic norm, differing from earlier ideals.
  • The attraction to this body type is linked to its narrative potential, symbolizing meaningful lives.
  • Athleticism provides an illusion of meaning, reinforcing social stereotypes, particularly concerning the male body.

Conclusions:

  • The contemporary athletic body serves as a cultural artifact reflecting societal values and anxieties about meaning.
  • The female athletic body disrupts these norms, offering alternative narratives and challenging existing existential possibilities.
  • The aesthetic of the athletic body, while seemingly straightforward, is deeply intertwined with complex social and existential themes.