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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), like the majority of relatively violent sports, has mainly been organized around the capabilities of the male body. However various indices suggest that women's engagement with MMA is growing. The purpose of this paper is to offer an analysis of women's involvement in MMA using a figurational sociological approach. In doing so, we draw on interview data with "elite" female mixed martial artists to explore the extent to which females within MMA experience a specifically gendered "quest for excitement." The paper further illustrates how the notion of "civilized bodies" can be used to interpret the distinctly gendered experiences of shame in relation to fighting in combat sports, the physical markings incurred as a consequence, and perceptions of sexual intimacy in the close physical contact of bodies. In so doing this paper provides the first figurationally-informed study of female sport involvement to focus explicitly on the role of violence in mediating social relations, while refining aspects of the figurational sociological approach to provide a more adequate framework for the analysis of gender relations.Les arts martiaux mixtes (aussi connus sous l'abréviation MMA pour Mixed Martial Arts en anglais), comme la majorité des sports relativement violents, ont principalement été développés autour des capacités du corps masculin. Cependant, divers indices suggèrent que l'engagement des femmes en MMA est en pleine croissance. Le but de cet article est d'offrir une analyse de l'implication des femmes en MMA en utilisant une approche sociologique figurationnelle. En faisant cela, nous nous servons de données provenant d'entrevues avec des femmes adeptes des arts martiaux mixtes au niveau « élite » pour explorer dans quelle mesure les

Introduction Quality of Life (QoL) is an important consideration in patients with abdominal wall hernia (AWH). What matters to patients and their everyday experience living with AWH may depend on a variety of personal, psychological, social and environmental factors. At present, no study has addressed what is important to this particular group of patients by asking the patients themselves. This study aims to determine QoL from the patient’s perspective by examining the lived experience in this patient population. Methods We interviewed 15 patients with AWH until thematic saturation. The patients were purposively sampled from AWH clinic between February 2020 and June 2020 using topic guides and interview schedules. Verbatim interview transcripts were coded and analysed using NVivo12 software and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). We adhered to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Results Fifteen participants (8 men and 7 women) of age range 36–85 years, median 65 years, covering all Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grades. Five superordinate themes were identified each with several subordinate themes, as follows: (1) body image (subthemes—‘changes to perceptions of self’ and ‘fears concerning perceptions of others’). (2) Mental health (subthemes—‘emotional responses’, ‘disruptions to previously solid aspects of identity’, ‘developing coping strategies’). (3) Symptoms (subthemes—‘managing pain’, ‘freedom of movement’, ‘restriction and adaptation of function’). (4) Interpersonal relationships (subthemes—‘difficulties socially connecting’ and ‘changes in sexual relations’). (5) Employment (subthemes—‘financial pressure’, ‘return to work issues’ and ‘costs to family’). Conclusion This is the first phenomenological qualitative study in the field of AWH and presents a rich account of what is important to these patients in terms of QoL. Developed from the patients’ own words, the themes are interrelated and should shape our understanding of patients with AWH. This study provides qualitative examples of each theme. This study has identified new themes (body image, interpersonal relationships and employment) that are not incorporated in existing AWH-specific QoL instruments. This is important for surgeons because the study suggests that we are currently not capturing all data relevant to QoL in this specific patient group with current tools. The wider impact of this would be to help counsel patients and support them more holistically through the disease process and it's management. Further research is needed to generate a standardised AWH QoL instrument which incorporates bio-psycho-emotional–social themes important to patients, as identified by patients.

Dunning and Sheard's seminal work, Barbarians, Gentleman and Players, illustrates the importance of adopting a sociological approach to understanding the development of modern sport. Their specific analysis of the role of football in public schools and peer and pupil-master relations offered an important perspective on changing relations between these social groups. Since then, research on physical education (PE) from a figurational viewpoint has focused more on teachers' perspectives and experiences, with fewer articles concerning pupils' thoughts. In this article, we revisit power relations within male PE by drawing upon data from a recent ethnographic study in the North East of England. We locate contemporary perspectives and experiences of bullying along long-term shifts in people's attitudes towards violence and conflict resolution. In particular, we consider how the social processes involved in bullying illustrate the nuanced relationships and behaviours young people must navigate and negotiate within increasingly complex contemporary societies. In competitive single-sex PE environments, we demonstrate how young males are required to exhibit heightened levels of control over their emotional and behavioural expression.

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