ABSTRACT
A shift in thinking towards societal- or systems-level understanding of physical activity make this a timely consolidated review chapter, written from the perspective of sociology. The reader is introduced to this context, which is now more embracing of sociology, to three aspects under which sociological research is typically conducted, and to the main findings of research on physical activity and exercising which have benefitted from the sociological perspective. The primary message of the chapter is based on evidence suggesting that, at a societal or systems level (despite a shift in thinking) physical activity remains closely affiliated with exercising, and associated with the need to ‘go to the gym’. The role of consumer culture in promoting this specific understanding of physical activity – and in instructing the public about necessary and appropriate ‘body lessons’ to go by for ensuring health – is brought into question. A penultimate section considers current issues affecting research in the sociology of physical activity in the present period – specifically, the role of digital media technologies in the production and consumption of these body lessons. Some challenging questions for future activism in the area of physical activity and exercising are also posed in conclusion.
