Towards the Multiple Body

Abstract

These texts each approach embodiment theory from a different angle. Shilling attempts to address the multi-dimensionality of embodiment theory, Crossley attempts to overcome mind–body dualism, whilst Coupland and Gwyn's review places empirical data at the forefront of its endeavours. Whilst each provides valuable insight into ways of thinking about the body, they tend towards emphasizing either bodies as ‘acted upon’ or bodies as ‘actors’. The argument laid out in this review is that they (singularly and combined) fall short in illuminating a multiplex materially grounded concept of bodies as parts of knowledge-producing relations, rather than distinct entities. An example taken from Mol's notion of the multiple body is put forward as an alternative concept through which embodiment theory can move forward.