Abstract:

The body is a factor that makes men feel masculine and the role of the body in the construction of masculinity is undeniable. Bodybuilding has many features that are associated with masculinity such as performance, strength, muscular appearance, endurance. To determine how male bodybuilding athletes construct masculinity through the body that they build and whether choosing this sport has meaning in terms of masculinity. Data were collected by focus group interview with a social constructional stance. The participants of the study were 4 elite male bodybuilding athletes. Participants were joined the common discourse that the ideal male body is more muscular and bulky and bulky body is frightening so the aim of bodybuilding is being more muscular and bulky for them. Bodybuilding is thought as an area that masculinity can be constructed and they were evaluate their new bodies as a factor of respect and power. Bodybuilding is represents the strength, power, and competence characteristics associated with masculinity, and is considered to be an area that men can build a muscular appearance that is the ideal body shape. In other words, through bodybuilding they use their bodies to construct masculinity.

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