Sou quem decide ser: construção social do "corpo perfeito" entre frequentadores do Ginásio Up Gym em 2024

Abstract

This monograph, entitled: I am who I decided to be: the social construction of the perfect body among Up Gym gymgoers in Maputo - 2024. The study explores the social construction of the "perfect body" among gymgoers, highlighting how culture, social networks and gyms influence perceptions of beauty and bodily health. The research is based on the theory of Berger and Luckmann, which suggests that the social reality of the body is a construct shaped by cultural norms and social interactions. Regarding methodological aspects, we adopted a qualitative approach, supported by the monographic procedure. To collect data, we used a bibliographic review and semi-structured interviews. The data were interpreted using the content analysis technique. The study revealed that the media and social networks play a crucial role in disseminating these body ideals, directly influencing the practices and perceptions of gym goers. Furthermore, it was observed that gyms function as socialization environments where these aesthetic standards are reinforced, encouraging practitioners to conform to such models. Consequently, the study highlighted that, although the practice of physical activities is associated with health, there is significant social pressure that leads individuals to seek an aesthetically accepted body, which can cause psychological and emotional impacts, such as low self-esteem and a feeling of inadequacy.