Markula-Denison, Pirkko; Pringle, Richard

Introduction Part 1: Power, Knowledge and the Self: Introduction to Foucauldian Theorising 1. An Introduction to Michel Foucault: His Work, Life and Effect 2. Technologies of Dominance: Power, Discourses and the Disciplined Bodies Part 2: Foucauldian Interpretations of the Body and Lived Experiences in Sport and Exercise 3. Knowledge and Truth: Discursive Construction of the Fit and Healthy Body 4. Exercise: Disciplined into Docile Bodies 5. Sport and the Discursive Construction of Gendered Bodies 6. A Discursive Analysis of Rugby Experiences and the Construction of Gendered Identities Part 3: Aesthetics of Ethical Self Stylisation 7. The Technologies of the Self 8. Aesthetic Self-Stylisation: Mindful Fitness as Practice of Freedom 9. The Ethics of Self-Care: The Academic Self as a Work of Art 10. Ethical Games of Truth: Critical Pedagogy and Collective Stories Conclusion Notes References Index

Michel Foucault's work profoundly influences the way we think about society, in particular how we understand social power, the self, and the body. This book gives an innovative and entirely new analysis of is later works making it a one-stop guide for students, exploring how Foucauldian theory can inform our understanding of the body, domination, identity and freedom as experienced through sport and exercise.
Divided into three themed parts, this book considers: Foucault's ideas and key debates
Foucault's theories to explore power relations, the body, identity and the construction of social practices in sport and exercise
how individuals make sense of the social forces surrounding them, considering physical activity, fitness and sport practices as expressions of freedom and sites for social change.


Accessible and clear, including useful case studies helping to bring the theory to real-life, Foucault, Sport and Exercise considers cultures and experiences in sports, exercise and fitness, coaching and health promotion. In addition to presenting established Foucauldian perspectives and debates, this text also provides innovative discussion of how Foucault's later work can inform the study and understanding of sport and the physically active body.