Can muscles be queer? Reconsidering the transgressive hyper-built body

    Authors

    C. Schippert

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Gend. Stud.

    Keywords

    ascesis; bodybuilding; gender-transgression; Pumping Iron 2; queer; ethics; Social Issues; Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary; Women's Studies

    Abstract

    This article examines the hyper-built body in light of queer theoretical investigations into gender, sexuality, and resistance. It is too easy to claim that female or male bodybuilders are either subversive of, or are upholding, dominant gender systems or heterosexuality. Such declarations do not explain why or how subversions/ shifts might occur. Demonstrating how using a queer theoretical perspective offers some useful shifts in analysis by enabling an investigation into the complex operations of norms that shape the body and its practice, I consider David Halperin's argument that gay muscles are different from straight muscles. Pointing out some of the limitations of such a claim when viewed within the realm of women's bodybuilding, I reconsider the seminal film, Pumping Iron 2: The Women, in order to raise questions about transgression and gender norms that might provide insights into the operations of power vis-a- vis hyper-built bodies.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Gender Studies

    Volume

    16

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2007

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    155

    Last Page

    171

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000247562800004

    ISSN

    0958-9236

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