Muscularity and femininity

No Longer a Contradiction

Bibliographic Data

ID3654590
AuthorsBertrand Desjardins (0000-0002-8243-4317, Deakin University, corresponding author), Bridgette Desjardins
Year2025
Volume35
Issue2
Pages1-14
Publication date2025-03-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Gender Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0958-9236 • E-ISSN: 1465-3869
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09589236.2025.2473926
OpenAlexW4408095972
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited49

Extant research demonstrates that strength and muscularity are associated with masculinity while femininity is associated with frailty and small, lean physiques. Women with sport performance and/or aesthetic goals requiring muscularity often balance their pursuit of muscularity with mitigation strategies (e.g. emphasizing femininity, limiting amount of muscularity) to reduce risks associated with gender non-conformity. However, analysis of interviews with 41 women who powerlift in Australia suggests that the long-established associations between muscularity and masculinity may be wavering. A significant minority of participants articulate that muscularity is compatible with femininity and do not conceptualize their muscular physiques as contrary to their feminine gender expression. This finding presents a departure from previously studied women athletes’ discourses, wherein muscularity was generally considered contrary to femininity, even among those women who embraced muscularity. Using Deleuzian theory, I analyse how gendered norms may be deterritorialized through sporting practice, enabling lines of flight that challenge women’s embodied subordination

Contradiction · Femininity · Linguistics · Sociology · Diversity and Impact of Dance · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Philosophy · Sports, Gender, and Society