Gender representation in the CrossFit Journal: a content analysis

Using a feminist cultural studies perspective, this study examined 2166 photographs published in the CrossFit Journal to determine if ideal femininity and hegemonic masculinity were reproduced and/or resisted through the photographic representations. A qualitative content analysis methodology examining all issues of the CrossFit Journal from 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2012 was used to answer three research questions which sought to determine the amount of visual coverage given to males and females, if the images presented reinforced or challenged ideal femininity and hegemonic masculinity, and if the visual coverage of females has changed since the introduction of the CrossFit Games. The results suggest that although ideal femininity and hegemonic masculinity are reinforced in some ways, there are also a number of ways in which these characteristics are resisted.