3 Review(s)

First published in 1998, the three main themes of the book are representation (images and symbols which depict the body), regulation (the social control of bodies) and resistance (strategies which challenge dominant representation and regulation). These themes run through the various chapters which span a wide spectrum of bodily topics. The chapters deal not only with major issues such as media images of male and female bodies, but also with neglected problems such as workplace bullying, unusual settings such as residential institutions for trainee clergy and 'exotica' such as naturism and fetish practices. The topics range from the healthy and sporting - bodybuilding clubs and rugby culture - through to the health problems of Crohn's Disease sufferers and the self-harm practices of women in bail hostels. Also, the book sheds light on the ageing process by including not just young people (teenage girls in physical education lessons) but also the older and increasingly assertive generation of 'wrinklies.'