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Training to self-care: fitness tracking, biopedagogy and the healthy consumer

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journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 00:34 authored by Aristea Fotopoulou, Kate O'RiordanKate O'Riordan
In this article, we provide an account of Fitbit, a wearable sensor device, using two complementary analytical approaches: auto-ethnography and media analysis. Drawing on the concept of biopedagogy, which describes the processes of learning and training bodies how to live, we focus on how users learn to self-care with wearable technologies through a series of micropractices that involve processes of mediation and the sharing of their own data via social networking. Our discussion is oriented towards four areas of analysis: data subjectivity and sociality; making meaning; time and productivity and brand identity. We articulate how these micropractices of knowing one’s body regulate the contemporary ‘fit’ and healthy subject, and mediate expertise about health, behaviour and data subjectivity.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Health Sociology Review

ISSN

1446-1242

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Issue

1

Volume

26

Page range

54-68

Department affiliated with

  • Media and Film Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-03-15

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-05-01

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-03-15

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