Sport and self-love: reflections on boxing and the construction of selfhood

This article examines whether boxing, despite – or perhaps because – its destructive potential can be an arena for the formation of selfhood. Based on Honneth’s theory of recognition (1995), I suggest that boxing can be an arena for recognition in the form of love and therefore essential for the construction of selfhood. My central thesis is that boxing can cultivate love, trust, and knowledge in and of oneself- elements crucial to the formation of selfhood. By taking a closer look at the three forms of boxing – basic conditioning, sparring, and the boxing match (competition) – I suggest that these different ways of practice have different potential for cultivating these elements. I conclude that due to contextual and internal factors, the boxing match does not fulfil its potential. However, sparring can provide relationships of care that results in regimes of self-care; trust in oneself and others, as well as self-knowledge; all building blocks in the construction of selfhood. I round off with a suggestion to modify the boxing match in order to enhance its potential for realizing both play and selfhood

Love, Rights, and Solidarity: Sports’ Potential for Recognition

Sport occupies a central role in modern society. Philosophers of sport suggest that sport can offer a realm of play by being structurally and logically independent from everyday life. But what ethical values can sport be seen to offer us, if any? Explanations are sought based on Honneth’s theory of recognition. Honneth views the presence of three forms of recognition - love, rights, and solidarity - as necessary conditions not only for a just society, but also for a society in which human beings can realize their potential and experience life as being good. Based on Honneth, I argue that sport can be seen as an arena with potential for an aggregated form of recognition. If practiced in the right way, sport has the potential to realize all three forms of recognition inherent in society

What works? A qualitative study of participants experiences of a traditional lifestyle intervention with a work focus

Purpose Obesity is related to lower labour force participation, increased sickness absence and reduced productivity. The rehabilitation services in Norway have not had much experience introducing a work dimension into lifestyle interventions for persons with obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate one such type of intervention. Methods This is a qualitative study seeking to gather data on the participants’ experiences. Twenty participants were recruited from two lifestyle interventions. Intervention A, with work focus, included lectures and individual guidance from a work consultant in addition to the lifestyle intervention. Intervention B was a traditional lifestyle intervention. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews held at each stay. Results Seven main themes emerged and one of them pointed towards a confusion of the aim of the intervention, which was viewed as focusing on lifestyle rather than a process focused on work. Otherwise, the results showed that persons with obesity struggle with many of the same inhibiting factors as other groups with reduced work ability. Conclusions The application process might explain the focus on lifestyle change. Communication, guidance and support reduce barriers for lifestyle change, but work is important for general health and social well-being and a work focus may therefore be beneficial in all lifestyle interventions