The significance of ‘situated learning’ for doping in an elite sports community: an interview study of AAS-using powerlifters

Abstract

The article investigates social learning of doping among elite athletes, based on qualitative interviews with 10 former competitive powerlifters, which were analyzed with Lave and Wenger’s learning theories. The constitution of the social context – the sports community – and specific situations were decisive for how the informants acted in relation to doping. The informants were situated in a powerlifting community where doping was common. Experienced lifters, central in the community, approached and encouraged the peripheral informants, and they gradually became more involved in the practice by doping activities, due to expectations, curiosity, in an endeavour for results, to be like the ‘big guy’s’, and to compete on a level playfield. They received help with supply and administration of doping substances in the interactions with the experienced lifters. To gain a central role in the community, and for identity formation, doping was a crucial and defining activity.