Redefining masculinities through street workout: Dynamics of hybridity and aesthetic capital

Abstract

This study investigates the phenomenon of Street Workout (SW) in Strasbourg, France, as a contemporary avenue for redefining masculinities, examining intersections with established practices, evolving norms and aesthetic capital. Through ethnographic observations and qualitative analysis, the research explores how SW participants from French working-class neighbourhoods navigate gender roles, socioeconomic pressures, and global cultural influences. Findings reveal a complex dynamic: SW reinforces dominant masculine traits, such as strength and discipline, while fostering diverse expressions of masculinities characterised by creativity, emotional expression, and aesthetic refinement. The study highlights the role of social media and global pop culture in shaping perceptions of masculinities, identifying ‘aesthetic capital’ as a key framework for understanding these transformations. However, the persistence of hegemonic norms within ‘hybrid masculinities’ limits inclusivity, with marginalised groups, including women and subordinate masculinities, experiencing minimal representation and integration in SW contexts. By elucidating the tensions between established norms and evolving practices, inclusion and exclusion, and resilience and vulnerability, this research contributes to broader gender studies discourse. Future research should investigate the experiences and roles of marginalised groups in SW, particularly women, to deepen our understanding of inclusivity in evolving constructions of masculinities.