Artikel

Survival of the fittest: een sociologische interpretatie van het succes van de fitnessbeweging

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Abstract

Survival of the fittest. A sociological interpretation of the success of the fitness movement - The culture of physical fitness is the most recent phase in the historical development of sport. The fitness movement - which consists in a combination of body-building, aerobics and dieting - can be seen as an answer to the existential questions created by modernity :in modern culture it is extremely difficult for the human being to develop a meaningful symbiosis with society. This hypothesis is made plausible by applying A.C. Zijderveld’s typification of societies held together by an a-moralistic, moralistic or immoralistic ethos. From an analysis of three periods of Western civilisation (early middle ages, 19th century industralism and the 20th century welfare state) it is possible to typify the current fitness movement as having an immoralistic meaning. Sport has ceased to be a factor in moral education (19th century); neither is it a form of an a-moralistic pastime. Having a healthy, firmly musculated body has become a means of promoting the self or personality in a world of antagonistic cooperation. The fitness movement also has an institutional function for the individual. The more or less ascetic way of life necessary to obtain and keep that beautiful body, restricts the immense number of behavioural alternatives and brings order to an otherwise unordered life so characteristic of modernity.

How to Cite:

Vincke, J., (1983) “Survival of the fittest: een sociologische interpretatie van het succes van de fitnessbeweging”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 28(4), 265–283. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.94860