Ethnography

In seven weeks, I conducted seven separate field observations in two different gym settings. Amid the clanks of weights, metal on metal, and the grunts and groans of young men, I conducted detailed observations and compiled a series of field notes. My research focus was on differences between age, gender, and socio-economic class with regards to attitudes towards working out, gym culture, and the use of supplements including steroids. One of the research settings was Dean's Gym in Murrysville. The other gym was the Power Center at Duquesne University. At both places, my role was as active participant-observer. As a member of one of the gyms and a former member of the other, I had an in-group status but was also able to objectively seek information from demographic cohorts different from my own. Informants ranged from young to old, male to female.

One of the primary research questions I...
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