Tanya Bunsell Knihy

Focusing on the liberatory potential of female bodybuilding, this ethnography by Tanya Bunsell offers an in-depth exploration of women bodybuilders in southern England. It reveals the complex dynamics of their experiences, highlighting how they navigate societal pressures while simultaneously resisting traditional feminine roles and appearances. Through participant observation, the book uncovers the dual nature of bodybuilding for these women, showcasing both empowerment and the challenges they face in a culture that often imposes rigid gender norms.

In order to assess the liberatory potential of female bodybuilding, Tanya Bunsell presents an original ethnography and participant observation of female body builders in the south of England. This book exposes the 'Janus-faced' nature of female bodybuilding, exploring the ways in which the women negotiate, accommodate and resist pressures to engage in more orthodox and feminine activities and appearances.