Identity, Social Space and an Analysis of the Average Gym - Book Report/Review Example

Section/# Identity, Social Space and an Analysis of the Average Gym Within any particular space, the level and extent to which identity can be created is profound. Subtle means of this social hierarchical identity formation can be found in a litany of different spaces. However, the focus of this brief analysis will be concentric upon discussing the social and hierarchical ramifications of the way in which a typical gym is set up. Whereas an individual gains an understanding of social hierarchy within seating position at a given restaurant, office space within a given work environment, and a litany of other factors, even a cursory review of an average gym reveals the fact that almost all gyms share a unique level of similarity. As a function of this level of similarity, the following analysis will be concentric upon discussing and analyzing what uniformity of social constructs and/or identity formation is able to take place within these respective spaces. Is the further hope of this author that through such analysis the reader will come to a more informed and profound understanding with respect to the way in which identity formation and social constructs are encouraged and denoted within the average local gym. As such, the analysis will be concentric upon how features are responsible for shaping the social or hierarchical nature of this space, the subtle, implicit, and explicit means through which this social dynamic is encouraged, and the uniformity as compared to the utilitarian purpose that the gym necessarily espouses. Firstly, before delving into the unique dynamics of any particular gym, it must be understood and denoted that individuals utilize a gym for one of two unique reasons. The first reason and rationale that an individual takes use of their local gym is with regards to the fact that this space is a means to an end as a function of increasing vitality, improving overall well-being, and generally seeking to provide a level of fitness and exercise to the body. Secondary group that integrates with the gym is one that can be categorized as utilizing this particular space for the sole purpose of aspect improvement. Whereas aesthetic improvement can most certainly be seen as a tangential benefit for the first group, the prime focus of the second group is to engage with this space as a function of drawing attention to their own bodies and maximizing certain features that they had targeted for improvement. The subtle differentiation between these two groups, although somewhat mundane, is ineffective measurement of how each and every gym is ultimately set up. The underlying rationale for this has to do with the purpose for which both of these groups engage with the service that the gym provides. As such, prior to delving into the way in which a gym is able to speak to the needs of all of its participants, understanding the way in which these two dynamic groups exists in a contemporary setting is pivotal in understanding the manner through which social hierarchy, identity, and understanding of self is evidenced within this particular space. From such an understanding, the first aspect of social hierarchy that can be determined is concentric upon the way in which those individuals within the first group integrate with one another and with other gym goers. As such, even a cursory analysis into any generic gym will revealed the fact that those individuals who utilize the gym as a means of aerobic enhancement, self betterment, and vitality improvement, are most always place in positions throughout the gym in which they do not face one another. This lack of contact with fellow gym goers allows these individuals to focus specifically on the goal of betterment that they have without the pressure of others judging them, staring at them, or analyzing their progress. As such, machines such as stair steppers, treadmills, rowing devices, crossfit machines, and a litany of other machines are spaced strategically in rows that face the wall, a set of televisions, or another non-interactive position. Further, as referenced earlier, the utilization of entertainment equipment within these settings serves as a further distraction for the individuals at the gym to focus upon something other than their own body shape, their own identity of self, and/or any form of judgment of another individual within this particular space. The subtle and implicit means through which this reduction of importance upon identity and hierarchy are denoted through the way in which machinery is positioned, entertainment is provided, and other factors is a fundamentally relevant differential that exists between those individuals within the first group and those within second. By means of comparison, one would be remiss without discussing the impacts of social hierarchy and interpretations of self that exists within the second group of gym goers. Upon entry into any specific gym throughout the country, the individual can note a prevalence of mirrors, open workout space, and the interaction that goes on between those individuals utilizing freeways as compared to those utilizing aerobic equipment. As such, this social hierarchy and interpretation of self is a pivotal component of understanding the differential between the first and second group which have been denoted within the introduction. As a means of social hierarchy, those that utilize free weights invariably interact with one another to a much greater degree as compared to those who do not. Even the way in which the space itself is laid out has a great many machines facing one another; even the benchpress oftentimes serving prominently as somewhat of an altar within this “hallowed” space. Devoid of televisions, that could help an individual focus upon their workout goals and pass the time, these entertainment devices are instead replaced by litany of mirrors. These mirrors help to reflect an image of self and an understanding of identity as compared to the other individuals throughout the gym. The ultimate purpose of these mirrors is to set up a social hierarchy through which the individual who is working out within the free weights area can understand themselves through the eyes of another individual (Leeman & Ong, 2008). This continual self estimation, although somewhat narcissistic, is a pivotal aspect of the way in which social identity and hierarchy are denoted within the specific space. In as much, appeals to vanity and an overarching appeal to comparison and the differential between one individual at another is a hallmark of what helps to define this group as compared to what helps to define the less interactive and goal oriented group which was defined previously. From the information that is thus far been provided, it can certainly be denoted that the social constructs and hierarchy of the space definition that exists within any gym is not something that merely “came about”. Rather, it is a complex social dynamic that has been fostered and promoted throughout a great many places within the United States and throughout the world for that matter. Accordingly, those individuals who own and manage gyms understand this dynamic and seek to promoted wherever possible. Yet, rather than seeking to understand the way in which this setting helps to impact upon the individual, the reader should also be fully cognizant of the fact that innate human needs and desires for identity replication, understanding, and/or vanity are interval compliments of the human experience. In such a way, rather than seeing the gym as a false social construct that helps to reinforce unhealthy and unrealistic identities, the reader should instead understand the fact that this particular social and public space merely helps to confirm and promote these understandings of self as compared to the social dynamic. References Leeman, O., & Ong, J. S. (2008). Lost and Found Again: Subjective Norm in Gym Membership. DLSU Business & Economics Review, 18(1), 13-27. Also the law Read More