Constructing successful old-age masculinities amongst athletes

Bibliographic Data

ID5906610
AuthorsJosefin Eman (Umeå University, corresponding author)
Year2011
Volume6
Issue01
Pages46-60
Publication date2011-05-25
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueNORMA (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1890-2138 • E-ISSN: 1890-2146
PublisherScandinavian University Press (PUBLISHER • NO)
DOI10.18261/issn1890-2146-2011-01-04
OpenAlexW112688143
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited18

This article focuses on the issue of old-age masculinities by exploring if and howthe process of growing old affects the gendered self-images of Swedish old maleathletes. It follows the grounded theory research design of Kathy Charmaz and isbased on interviews with nine athletes aged 68 to 90. The findings in this articleindicate that the athletes withdraw from the masculine practice of competitivesports because it is not considered to be age-appropriate. The men seem toreconstruct their self-images in accordance with four old-age masculinity themes:being physically active, being a leader, being a busy senior, and being a family man.The concept of successful aging is found to be particularly significant in reshapingthe men’s self-images. Therefore, this article proposes a combination of theconcepts of hegemonic masculinity1 and successful aging in order to increase theunderstanding of old-age masculinities

Athletes · Masculinity · Physical therapy · Sociology · Aging and Gerontology Research · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Medicine · Psychology · Sport and Mega-Event Impacts

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