Is Women's Bodybuilding Unfeminine?

Bell, Melina

Is Women's Bodybuilding Unfeminine?

In Philosophical Reflections on Physical Strength: Does a Strong Mind Need a Strong Body?, edited by Mark A. Holowchak and Terry Todd, 179-198. Edwin Mellen Press, 2010

13 Pages Posted: 17 Jul 2017

See all articles by Melina Bell

Melina Bell

W&L University

Date Written: July 30, 2009

Abstract

This article argues that while highly developed muscularity is incompatible with contemporary Western notions of femininity, it is femininity that women should reject rather than muscularity. A flourishing life, I maintain, requires space for each of us to develop as unique individuals, building identities from the full range of human characteristics, capacities, activities, preferences, and dispositions without unjustified limitation. Thus, we should work to promote a world in which all people can live as social equals, and as flourishing, complete individuals, free of gender norms.

Keywords: Bodybuilding, Women's Bodybuilding, Female Bodybuilding, Gender, Muscle Sport, Strength Sport, Femininity, Masculinity, Feminine, Masculine

JEL Classification: I14, I24, J16, Z20, Z21, Z22, Z23, Z28, Z29

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Bell, Melina, Is Women's Bodybuilding Unfeminine? (July 30, 2009). In Philosophical Reflections on Physical Strength: Does a Strong Mind Need a Strong Body?, edited by Mark A. Holowchak and Terry Todd, 179-198. Edwin Mellen Press, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2998836