Wrestling and hypermasculinity / Patrice A. Oppliger.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Oppliger, Patrice A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Wrestling--Social aspects--United States.

Wrestling.

Wrestlers--Sexual behavior--United States.

Wrestlers.

Wrestling--Social aspects.

United States.

Popular culture--United States.

Popular culture.

Physical Description:

xiv, 197 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland, [2004]

Summary:

Professional wrestling revels in its exaggeration of masculinity: the physical appearance of wrestlers, the violent and sexually-charged moves in and out of the ring, the role assigned to women, and the use of weapons such as chains, barbed wire and steel folding chairs. This study reveals the links between watching televised wrestling matches and increases in verbal aggression, rebellion, and a tendency toward violence and retaliation. The book begins with a brief history of professional wrestling and a summary of the criticisms of the sport. It discusses how gender issues play a part in the effects of wrestling on its viewers, arguing that wrestling goes beyond the image of physical violence to models of interpersonal behavior. The expansion of wrestling into storylines outside the ring involves problems with class, race, homophobia and nationality for which violence is presented as a solution. The attractiveness of wrestling and its ability to lure fans back year after year is fully explored.

Contents:

1. Background of Professional Wrestling 7

2. Effects 31

3. Masculinity and Aggression 53

4. Violence in the Squared Circle 71

5. Sex 95

6. Personae and Appearances of Male Wrestlers 107

7. Portrayal of Women 123

8. The Appeal of Professional Wrestling 139.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-194) and index.

ISBN:

0786416920

OCLC:

54064264