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The Gym: A Social History; Tattoos at Work

New research on how society works. Laurie Taylor explores the social history of the gymnasium, plus tattoos at work and the taboo against body art.

The gym: Laurie Taylor explores the social history of the gymnasium with the writer and sociologist, Eric Chaline. Although this 'temple of perfection' appears primarily as a site for producing the 'body beautiful', this study finds it has also been a battleground in political, sexual and cultural wars. They're joined by Louise Mansfield, Sociologist of Sport at Brunel University

Also, tattoos at work: Andrew Timming, Reader in Management at the University of St Andrews, talks about prejudices towards body art in the service sector. Does possession of a tattoo impact on job prospects?

Producer: Jayne Egerton.

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28 minutes

Contributors

Eric Chaline
Writer and Journalist

The Temple of Perfection: A History of the Gym
Publisher: Reaktion Books
ISBN-10: 178023449X
ISBN-13: 978-1780234496

Dr. Deputy Director of the Brunel Centre for Sport, Health and Wellbeing (BC.SHaW) in the College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London


Reader in Management, School of Management at the University of St Andrews

Abstract: doi: 10.1177/0950017014528402
Work Employment & Society February 2015 vol. 29 no. 1 60-78

Broadcasts

  • Wed 13 May 2015 16:00
  • Mon 18 May 2015 00:15

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