Bodybuilding and masculine identity: A sociological approach

The main purpose of this research is to examine the importance of bodybuilding for men in the process of construction of masculine identity. In the research, how the male bodybuilder construct the field by developing different masculinization strategies, which instruments they use to compete with other men, how they can transform their body capital into other capitals are analyzed based on critical masculinity studies and body sociology literature. Nutritional supplements and using steroid practices in the field of bodybuilding are also investigated for the sub-objectives of the study. The study was carried out in a phenomenological manner as a qualitative study. In this context, data were gathered through semi-structured interview technique with 18 male bodybuilders who are already competitive bodybuilder or thinking about being a competitive. The findings which are obtained from this research emphasize the importance of mesomorphic muscular body with wide shoulders, a bulky chest, large arms and a narrow waist structure, and shows that the muscular body provides "advantage" for men. Thus, the findings show that as a capital the muscular body is transformed into a masculinity capital, an economical capital and a cultural capital in the field of bodybuilding. In addition, the finding indicates that bodybuilding is being reproduced as a masculine field with the biological, cultural and bodybuilding doxa strategies developed by bodybuilder men. Moreover, men developing hierarchical relationships in different ways through body capital, weight lifting and different body projects suggest that bodybuilding is a field of masculinity struggle. According to findings which are obtained from dietary supplements and steroid use, nutritional supplements are not seen as a necessity in the bodybuilding culture of the contestants, on the contrary, steroids are considered to be a necessity in this field.