Designer Masculinity: Men, Science and Body Aesthetics

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Mike_Atkinson.jpg” caption=”Michael Atkinson, assistant professor of sociology, displays his book and tattoos. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay “]A new year and a new you. Slogans like this are everywhere and they all seem to be saying that the old you just isn't good enough.

New year's resolutions guarantee that diet books are on the bestseller list and gyms are full of people trying to change the way they look.

Sociologist Michael Atkinson sees both men and women in his gym but what's most intriguing to him are the number of men busily mixing powders and potions in the change room after punishing workout regimens.

What interests Atkinson is why these men are so image conscious. He wonders if they are asking themselves “what exactly am I putting in my body?”

“They're trying to get bigger, but to what end?” asks Atkinson, an assistant professor of sociology and the recent recipient of the Aurora Prize.

Atkinson will explore how men are using exercise and health supplements, going on risky diets and utilizing cosmetic surgery  bulking up or bulking down  to achieve society's ideal of the perfect male specimen, in tonight's Science in the City lecture Designer Masculinity: Men, Science and Body Aesthetics.

“I also want to take a look at the social context behind this 'crisis of masculinity' and a culture that frames your body as a problem,” says Atkinson.

“Men seem to have a mind-set that they need to do something now and tend to be impatient, looking for that 'quick fix'. It's not about getting healthy, it's about being the dominant male  mastering their body indicates their ability to master anything, whether it's in the gym, in the work place or as an intellectual.”

Tonight's lecture is free and all are welcome. This lecture takes place in the Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, 44 Frid Street in Hamilton. To reserve a seat call 905-525-9140 ext. 24934 or e-mail sciencecity@mcmaster.ca