Civilized Muscles
Building a Powerful Body as a Vehicle for Social Status and Identity Formation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13026049 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anders V Christiansen (0000-0001-6115-6314, Aarhus University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2019 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 10 |
| Pages | 287-287 |
| Publication date | 2019-10-13 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Social Sciences (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2076-0760 • E-ISSN: 2076-0760 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/socsci8100287 |
| OpenAlex | W2979444517 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 14 |
This paper explored the relationship between having a muscular body and identity formation in young men. Theoretically, it was built on evolutionary psychology; empirically, it drew on the author’s research into young men’s use of anabolic-androgenic steroids in gym settings. The questions I addressed were the following: First, why does the building of a muscular body through weight and strength training appeal to young men who have not yet found their place in the societal hierarchy? Second, what identity-related consequences does it have for them, when the size and posture of their body changes? First, the paper outlined some important aspects of the civilizing process and evolutionary psychology in order to offer an explanation on how and why brute force has been marginalized in today’s society, while the strong body continues to appeal to us. Then followed an explanation of the concept of identity used in this context. Hereafter, it was examined how building a more muscular body influences the young men and their relationship with their surroundings. Next, an underlying alternative understanding of health that may influence young men’s decision to use anabolic steroids was discussed. The article concluded with some remarks on the body’s impact on identity in a time where a strong build no longer has any practical importance in our lives
Aesthetics · Art · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Identity (music · Social group · Social identity theory · Sociology · Communication · Diversity and Impact of Dance · Psychology · Social Psychology
Little big men
The Aesthetic Animal
Childhood socioeconomic status and adult health
Adverse Health Consequences of Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Modernity and Self-Identity
Social Identity
Social Relationships and Health
Masculine Somatotype and Hirsuteness as Determinants of Sexual Attractiveness to Women
Guns, Germs, and Steel
| Citations per year | 0.43 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2019 - 2026 (8) |
| Highly cited | No |