ABSTRACT
The central theme of this book is an interpretation of the recent success of women bullfighters in Spain. The visible popularity of women performers and the other diverse roles that women play in bullfighting are situated in a contemporary consumer society where 'traditional' and 'modern' lifestyles are continuously created, performed and redefined. Local bullfight aficionados claim that Cordoba is the centre of the bullfighting world. In the 1990s the Spanish bullfight is a controversial event amongst both Spaniards and foreigners. Yet for a large number of people, commonly referred to as aficionados, bullfighting is a central element of their leisure time. Despite the gender stereotypes represented in bullfighting culture and in the traditionalism of its dominant discourse, women are becoming increasingly active in the bullfighting world. Whilst many aspire to be bullfighters and reach the first stages, it is very difficult to succeed as a fully fledged professional.
