Abstract

PEREIRA, Ana L.. High-altitude climbing: a body experience. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2005, vol.5, n.3, pp.311-321. ISSN 1645-0523.

The western society shows an image monopoly, which evidences as a result an enhancement in the valorization of body appearance. Even though, we live in a society that also valorizes self-expression and self-realization, aspirations that can be accomplished in leisure time. This paper is about climbing, a leisure and physical activity that entails some risks that may put physical integrity in cause. In this way, since accidents are frequent and may alter climbers’ image and lay them far from the ‘perfect’ body, one can question about the values climber attributes to his body. Thus, our goals were: to understand the feelings expressed by climbing and the representation and valorization of the body among the alpinists. Our data was collected through twenty in-depth interviews conducted with climbers. Such interviewswere submitted to content analysis. Through a hermeneutic process of the main categories, we can say that for these climbers body is an expression locus for aesthetic. Duty is considered as a fundamental value to obtain a disciplined body. This duty valorization is subordinated to hedonism, which is an inherent value in climbing. Finally, the body is perceived by its functionality and it may even be poorly treated if necessary when one wants to get the top of the mountain.

Keywords : body; climbing; values.

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