Shaping Body Ideas: Body Perceptions of Health and Physical Education Undergraduates

Abstract

This chapter explores some dominant discourses and practices regarding the body and Health and Physical Education (HPE) in a School of Human Movement Studies at an Australian University. A postructuralist framework is used, mainly informed by the work of Foucault on 'discourse' and 'discursive formations'. Three main themes emerged: the recognition of the importance of certain undergraduate courses, the influence that some knowledge and practices have upon undergraduates' bodies, and finally, the possible disruptions of students' ways of thinking. I conclude by suggesting that the reflection of students upon dominant discourses makes possible a change in the way the body and HPE are considered.