Embodied masculinities in the context of cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

Interest continues to gather in relation to the sociology of the body, gendered embodiment and the theoretical links between these in both health and ill-health contexts. However, the available empirical work that links embodiment, masculinities and health remains sparse. This paper presents secondary data analysis from an original study that aimed to consider the similarities and differences in the experience of a continuing (phase four) cardiac rehabilitation programme for individuals choosing to participate in either an exercise or yoga component. The data presented are derived from two in-depth interviews, carried out a year apart, with each of the 34 men who completed the original study. Watson's (2000)'male body schema' was used to guide initial data coding and the subsequent analysis generated four overarching themes: 'embodied emotionality'; 'renegotiated embodiment'; 'embodiment and fitness' and 'knowing the hidden body'. An approach that theorises from, rather than about, men's bodies is fostered, and questions are raised about previous work that suggests men are emotionally 'disconnected' from their bodies and/or that they have a wholly mechanistic view of bodily function.