ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that cultural capital is attained through successful masculine performances, that skills capital enables deviant behaviour, but that roller derby also enables men to construct more accepting masculine identities, to prize acceptable masculinity above hegemonic masculinity, and to accept difference. The chapter discusses how successful performances of a roller derby persona involve taking a risk, but freedom is engendered by skills capital. It considers the way doing masculinity differently can lead to a more inclusive space, where the new and exciting creates a sense of togetherness and deepens friendships. The ever-present desire for inclusivity within men’s roller derby and the tension between acceptable masculinities and skills capital that renders a commitment to inclusivity problematic and difficult to achieve in practice is evaluated, and the range of strategies employed to ensure continued feelings of belonging and a commitment to inclusivity are analysed as a possible way forward.
