Toward a Physical Cultural Studies

Abstract

Within this paper we offer what is hopefully both a suggestive (as opposed to definitive) and generative (as opposed to suppressive) signposting of the ontological, epistemological, and methodological boundaries framing the putative intellectual project that is Physical Cultural Studies (PCS). Ground in a commitment toward engaging varied dimensions or expressions of active physicality, we deliberate on an understanding of, and approach to, the corporeal practices, discourses, and subjectivities through which active bodies become organized, represented, and experienced in relation to the operations of social power. Further, drawing on Toby Miller, we suggest that this approach requires a motivation toward progressive social change. We consider the political and axiological contingencies of PCS, how it is differentiated from the “sociology of sport,” and how we may produce the type of knowledge that is able to intervene into the broader social world and make a difference. We are sure many will disagree—perhaps with good reason—with our assumptions. Indeed, such differences are welcomed for we feel that there is greater progressive potential in a field in tension, in healthy contestation, and, in which debates surrounding ontology, epistemology, political intent, method, interpretation, expression, and impact flow freely.

Estudiando la corporalidad en el gimnasio: reflexiones prácticas para las ciencias sociales

“…PCS advances an equally fluid theoretical vocabulary, utilizing concepts and theories from a variety of disciplines (including cultural studies, economics, history, critical pedagogy, and philosophy) in engaging with and interpreting the particular aspect of physical culture under scrutiny (Andrews, 2008;Silk & Andrews, 2011). The principal consequence of this, as Wright has said, is that PCS' relationship with theory is necessary, yet ambivalent and certainly unpredictable.…”

“…They (re)discovered the body and thereby issues of physicality and corporality (Silk & Andrews, 2011). Some of them have focused on gyms (Spielvogel, 2003;Roger & Fernández, 2004;Steen-Johnsen, 2007;Sassatelli, 2001Sassatelli, , 2010Leeds & Liberti, 2007;Hedblom, 2009;Velez & María, 2009;Rodríguez, 2010;Valdéz & Fuentes, 2010;Tristan, 2011;Zweiniger, 2011;Moore, 2012;Andreasson, 2013;Johanson & Andresson, 2014).…”

“…It is never about finding 'the right theory', or demonstrating one's theoretical acumen. It is about understanding what is going on, and therefore, about finding out any theoretical position that will support that argument (Wright in Silk & Andrews, 2011).…”

“…As Andrews (2008) pointed out, physical cultural forms depend on contextual relations of power and social possibilities. Following different authors (Andrews 2008;Giardina & Newman, 2011a, 2011bSilk & Andrews, 2011), PCS has been defined as a way to understand and analyze physical culture in all its myriad forms; including sport, health, dance, and movement related practices. More specifically, PCS is dedicated to the contextually based understanding of the corporal practices, discourses, and subjectivities through which active bodies become organized, represented and experienced.…”

Problematizing Social Justice in Health Pedagogy and Youth Sport: Intersectionality of Race, Ethnicity, and Class

“…Tinning (2010) claims that pedagogy refers to the science or profession of learning. According to Silk and Andrews (2011) Physical Culture can be characterized as an approach toward interpreting culture's role in the construction and experience of the "lived milieux of power" (Grossberg, 1997a, p. 8). Physical culture forms (e.g., practices, discourses, and subjectivities) can only be understood by the way in which they are articulated into a particular set of complex social, economic, political, and technological relationships that comprise the social context' (Silk & Andrews, 2011, p. 9).…”