여성 피트니스대회에서 나타나는 코르셋 현상과 상징성에 관한 연구

초록

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the resurgence and symbolism of corset-like norms in women’s fitness competitions amid the expanding “tal-corset”movement in South Korea. Using a case-study, data were gathered from eight female athletes with competition experience and two event officials through nonparticipant observation, in-depth interviews, and document review, and were analyzed by textual-analysis. The results are as follows. First, In fitness competitions, the “hourglass-shaped physique” was emphasized as the ideal female body. This can be viewed as a phenomenon in which the corset has been revived through body shape. And we confirmed that judging criteria emphasizing femininity were internalized by female participants and encouraged appearance-grooming labor. In addition, as evaluation standards that “overlay femininity onto muscle” operated, even women’s muscles were subordinated to aesthetic norms. Second, fitness competitions functioned as symbolic spaces that displayed the ideal female body and commodified women’s bodies. This results suggests that fitness competitions operate not merely as venues where simple sporting events take place but as arenas that compel the performance and reproduction of femininity demanded by society.

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