Transforming Ways of ‘Doing’ Masculinity and Health in Prisons: Performances of Masculinity Within the Fit for LIFE Programme Delivered in Two Scottish Prisons

Although the fluid, performed nature of gender is well established, constructions of masculinity have commonly been linked to practices that are ‘toxic’ to health, particularly in relation to ‘hyper-masculine’ ideals. In this chapter, we argue that masculinities can be aligned with positive health behaviours not exclusively the health practices which are damaging to health. We consider how masculinities are performed over the course of pilot deliveries of a health promotion programme (Fit for LIFE), in a largely male environment, namely two Scottish prisons. We explore performances of hegemonic and inclusive masculinities. In so doing, we aim to advance masculinities theory through moving from a binary, at times oppositional, orientation to a more nuanced reading of masculinity within a specific gendered context. Additionally, we highlight aspects of change in the performance of prison masculinities within the context of the delivery of the Fit for LIFE programme, as in the men’s weight management programme—Football Fans in Training (FFIT) which inspired it. This illustrates the potential for health promotion interventions to provide new opportunities for performances of masculinity that positively contribute to health in prison.