Essay: Athletic Bodies (due 3/2)

 Disciplining Athletic Bodies (3/2)




Foucault claimed that society and culture "discipline" bodies; forcing them to conform to its norms. Athletic bodies are symbolic representations of culture and their performance is a source of cultural pride, making them particularly open to scrutiny.

  • Using the articles in the section on "athletic bodies" discuss how definitions of gender lead to the unequal disciplining of male and female bodies. 
    • What are the expectations for men's and women's athletic bodies and how does sexuality and sexual preference affect these expectations?
    • Discuss the various ways sex has been defined for the purpose of this discipline
    • Make sure that you support your discussion with examples from your readings
  • How are racialized bodies disciplined, and how does this discipline reflect cultural beliefs?
    • Make sure that you support your discussion with examples from your readings
Minimum 5 paragraphs

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