Malay males in the gym : a negotiation of social status

• Main Author: Iman Nor Atiqah Sofian
• Other Authors: Genaro Castro Vazquez
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66167
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Abstract Singaporean Malays have often been problematized and existing data suggests their achievements are lackluster in comparison to other races. This research proposes that Singaporean Malay men use the gym to attain social status. They are able to attain equal life chances with other races when otherwise, there are social barriers outside the gym that disable them from access to the same opportunities as other races. Through a qualitative research method comprising of semi-structured interviews and off-the-cuff conversations, the study explores how 11 Singaporean Malay men in Choa Chu Kang (CCK) ActiveSG Gym (a public gym) negotiate their social status – from an ascribed status to an achieved status. Results show the discourse surrounding the intersection of masculinity and race, that social stratification occurs within and outside the gym and the ways males engage their looking-glass selves. Keywords: Malay men, social status, negotiation, gym