First published in 1998, the three main themes of the book are representation (images and symbols which depict the body), regulation (the social control of bodies) and resistance (strategies which challenge dominant representation and regulation).

1. Images of the Female Body: Women's Identities and the Media. Alison Shaw. 2. The Model of a Man: Masculinity and Body Image in Men's Lifestyle Magazines. Angus Bancroft. 3. Bodybuilding and Sexual Attractiveness. Lee Monaghan, Michael Bloor, Russell P. Dobash and Rebecca E. Dobash. 4. Ei Gwrol Ryfelwyr *. Reflections on Body, Gender, Class and Nation in Welsh Rugby (*a Line from the Welsh National Anthem, Translated as 'its Brave (or manly) Warriors'). Sally Holland and Jonathan Scourfield. 5. 'You Need the Leotard': Revisiting the First PE Lesson. Sara Delamont. 6. Workplace Bullying. Duncan Lewis. 7. Power, Control and the Gendered Body. Emma Wincup. 8. 'Sleeping on the Sofa': Preparation for Ordained Ministry and the 'Curriculum of the Body'. Trevor Welland. 9. Wrinklies Just Wanna Have Fun! John Richardson. 10. Bodies on Display: Experiences from the Fetish Club Field. Victoria Butler. 11. Inter-Corporeality and Reflexibity: Researching Naturism. Odette Parry. 12. 'Meat' in the Machine: the Centrality of the Body in Internet Interactions. Kate Robson.