'Stranger Bodies': the Lectue on Male Embodiment
Intern Researcher Mikhail Samulev presented his research on comparison of perseption of their own bodies from men of different generations.
On June 26 took place another event from the lecture series from joined project of Russian National Library (St.Petersburg) and HSE University. In his report 'Stranger bodies? The Embodiement of Men from Generations X and Z' intern researcher at CYS Mikhail Samulev raises the topic of male embodiment, the boundaries of understanding what 'normal' body is and self-care practices from the perspectives of his informants.
'Fathers and sons' percieve the care for one's appearence very differently. The body for X (40-58 y.o.) is an instrument and capital that serves primarily for functionality. Inlusion in this model care practices that place greater emphasis on appearance ('non‑masculine') requires an explanation and forces to justify it. Generation Z (19-25 y,o,) are more included in a dialogue with their own body. Care practices are percieved as a norm and a part of rutine, as a way to uphold the 'right' lifestyle of a modern young man. The body is viewed more as an equal a participant who possesses intrinsic value and has it's own needs.
The economic logic of the bodywork of Generation X, which reproduces the Soviet ethos and incorporates medical and neoliberal discourses, is being replaced for Generation Z by a project‑based logic of body‑construction that combines neoliberal, consumerist, and therapeutic discourses.
Центр молодежных исследований: Стажер-исследователь
