AIN'T I A YOGI?: A CRITICAL EXPLORATION OF SYMBOLIC AND SOCIAL BOUNDARIES IN THE YOGA WORLD

Search for this publication on Google Scholar
Brooks, T. (2018). AIN'T I A YOGI?: A CRITICAL EXPLORATION OF SYMBOLIC AND SOCIAL BOUNDARIES IN THE YOGA WORLD. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
Download PDF

Abstract

Recent sociological research considers the relationship between social and symbolic boundaries in a variety of social contexts. In this study, I build on such research by exploring how such boundaries are reproduced and potentially bridged in ostensibly inclusive spaces. To do so, I explore how Black yoginis, or female yoga practitioners, experience, interpret and navigate social and symbolic boundaries as well as the mechanisms that (re)produce or bridge them. Data collection consists of a brief survey, participant observation in yoga studios and schools, and semi-structured interviews with experienced practitioners. Data were analyzed thematically following an inductive approach, employing quasi-grounded theory methods. Findings suggest yoga world boundaries are created and reproduced through conventions of religion, assumptions of authenticity via consumerism and traditional media, and aesthetic values related to racial marking and size. Bridging occurs through social media, adaptable hooks, strategic selection, organizational diversity, and the role of instructors. I extend the boundaries literature by identifying several boundary bridging mechanisms in the yoga world that may be relevant to other social settings. This study is significant because it broadens scholarly understanding of boundary processes as they are experienced, interpreted, and navigated by Black women in yoga worlds, a collectively devalued status group in American society that may also shed light on patterns of exclusion and inclusion among marginalized groups in other contexts.

Details
Author

Brooks, Temeka

Title

AIN'T I A YOGI?: A CRITICAL EXPLORATION OF SYMBOLIC AND SOCIAL BOUNDARIES IN THE YOGA WORLD

Physical Description

1 online resource (86 pages) : PDF

Date

2018

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

Recent sociological research considers the relationship between social and symbolic boundaries in a variety of social contexts. In this study, I build on such research by exploring how such boundaries are reproduced and potentially bridged in ostensibly inclusive spaces. To do so, I explore how Black yoginis, or female yoga practitioners, experience, interpret and navigate social and symbolic boundaries as well as the mechanisms that (re)produce or bridge them. Data collection consists of a brief survey, participant observation in yoga studios and schools, and semi-structured interviews with experienced practitioners. Data were analyzed thematically following an inductive approach, employing quasi-grounded theory methods. Findings suggest yoga world boundaries are created and reproduced through conventions of religion, assumptions of authenticity via consumerism and traditional media, and aesthetic values related to racial marking and size. Bridging occurs through social media, adaptable hooks, strategic selection, organizational diversity, and the role of instructors. I extend the boundaries literature by identifying several boundary bridging mechanisms in the yoga world that may be relevant to other social settings. This study is significant because it broadens scholarly understanding of boundary processes as they are experienced, interpreted, and navigated by Black women in yoga worlds, a collectively devalued status group in American society that may also shed light on patterns of exclusion and inclusion among marginalized groups in other contexts.

Genre

masters theses

Subjects--Topics

Sociology
Women's studies
African Americans--Study and teaching
Ethnicity--Study and teaching

Degree

M.A.

Keywords

Authenticity
Black Women
Culture
Racialization
Social & Symbolic Boundaries
Yoga

Subject Area

Sociology

Advisor(s)

Schmutz, Vaughn

Committee Members

Jason, Kendra
Zhao, Wei

Degree Note

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2018.

Rights Statement

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). For additional information, see http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/.

Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

Brooks_uncc_0694N_11725

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:1730