Living the paradox: female athletes negotiate femininity and muscularity

Sex Roles: A Journal of Research,  March, 2004  by Vikki Krane,  Precilla Y.L. Choi,  Shannon M. Baird,  Christine M. Aimar,  Kerrie J. Kauer

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A hockey player expressed the same sentiment:

      I feel more, this is gonna sound cheesey, but I feel more
      independent. I feel like I can take care of myself rather than if
      I was just some weakling. I feel like I could run away from
      someone if I had to, or whatever, you know what I mean. I don't
      need somebody to take care of me.

Although there were constant reminders that female athletes were not considered normal women, these athletes savored the benefits of their athletic participation. They were accomplished, confident, independent women in both athletic and social situations.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study illustrate how, because of the influence of hegemonic femininity, sportswomen live a paradox of dual and dueling identities. The athletes in our study recognized the status and privilege of "normal girls" that contrasted with their "other" or marginalized position. This circumstance reinforced the importance of portraying a heterosexually feminine appearance in social settings and sometimes in sport settings. Consistent with previous research (Krane, Waldron, et al., 2001), the athletes described the ideal feminine body as small, thin, and model-like. As expected, their description of the ideal female body was consistent with media portrayals of feminine women (Bordo, 1993; Duncan, 1994).

The athletes considered their muscular bodies as the primary hindrance to being perceived as heterosexually feminine in social settings. When they considered their athletic bodies in comparison to "normal girls" or the culturally ideal body, the athletes felt "different." They were larger and more muscular, and they did not fit into trendy clothing. Even though they embraced the function of their bodies, being too muscular was disconcerting. It was an unwanted source of social attention, a constant reminder that they were different from other women. Previous research suggests that this oversized perception of athletic bodies can be related to unhealthy behaviors, such as disordered eating (Krane, Waldron, et al., 2001). However, rather than discussing unhealthy eating patterns, these athletes conversed with much humor about the large amounts of food they ate. They noted that their physically active lifestyle necessitated the support of a high calorie intake, but they also said that eating in such a manner was not considered feminine. Fortunately, this did not stop them from doing so, but it is not clear why these athletes were able to laugh about their food consumption and did not mention any unhealthy eating or exercise behaviors contrary to the athletes in the Krane, Waldron, et al. study (2001).

As we pursued the examination of perceptions of muscular bodies, we found as much pride as consternation in athletic bodies. The athletes acknowledged the positive distinctiveness of the athletic female body, yet each athlete also expressed some desire to look different--that is, normal. Further, several athletes noted that when they came to college and began intensive weight lifting, they were not sure how to interpret the changes in their bodies. Weight gain initially was perceived negatively and was assumed to be due to increased body fat. However, the athletes appeared to have learned to focus on the function of their musculature and size, which resulted in satisfaction and pride. They worked hard to be strong and successful and were proud of their efforts. This was consistent with previous studies that revealed that female athletes expressed empowerment, satisfaction, and enjoyment through physically assertive sport (Baird, 2001; Hargreaves, 1993; Rail, 1992; Russell, 2002; Theberge, 1997). Although these women were reminded in many ways that they did not conform to the culturally accepted, hegemonic script of femininity, they were able to highlight the benefits associated with sport performance. They enjoyed their sport participation and gained strength and confidence that positively affected them outside of sport as well as in the athletic environment.