Powerlifting is a new sport invented in the mid-twentieth century and is slowly gaining popularity today. Little research has been done on powerlifting compared to other strength sports such as bodybuilding and CrossFit. More anthropological research must be done on this community, especially the few athletes who compete. The sport of powerlifting requires people to bench press, squat, and deadlift the maximum amount of weight they can physically manipulate both in the gym and on stage. This research examines the tight-nich cultural groups of competitive amateur powerlifters’ experience in powerlifting competition culture. The subjects used in the study are attendants of one of the twelve powerlifting gyms that participated in the project. Data was collected through QR posters placed in the gym and in-person interviews. The data will be interpreted through an anthropological lens to understand the environment of powerlifting competitions through the perceived thoughts of the competitors. The expected findings in the research are understanding the culture of the competition and how the athletes perceive the event.

Poster Presentation

Session 1

9:15am – 10:30am
Grand Salon

Anthropology

Proper management is crucial to the preservation of historic sites and cultural heritage associated with those sites.  Management styles in regard to historic places determine if the cultural heritage is preserved or forgotten over time. Informed historical site management is essential to the preservation of the site’s associated cultural heritage.  In place attachment theory, historic sites preserve the associated cultural significance.  California Adobe preservation is important to preserving California history.  The Olivas Adobe, located in Ventura County, currently does not have an updated management plan in place.  With research about management styles and historic preservation, a viable sample management plan is created for the Olivas Adobe.  As part of the creation for this sample management plan other California Adobe management plans are referenced and reviewed. This research will help in educating other historical sites that do not have informed management plans in place.   Although executioning this management plan will take great efforts of time and money to focus on preserving the cultural heritage, it will be worth it to educate the local community on its significance.

Poster Presentation

Session 1

9:15am – 10:30am
Grand Salon

Anthropology

Dolls and dollhouses are representations of human life on a miniature scale. They can be found cross-culturally and throughout human history. Anthropomorphic objects have been found in archaeological context going as far back as when humans were first capable of symbolic expression. Using these material objects to illuminate larger social constructs, the main question that this study sought to answer is how did dolls and doll houses represent changing sociocultural identity in Europe and the United States?  The study examines the marketing and design of these objects and how they have reinforced or shaped gender roles.  It also examines the use of these in the dissemination of cultural teachings, domestic roles, and gender ideologies. This research was conducted through both a literature review and an online survey.  The discussion of gender has significant importance in today’s world and the transitions that these ideologies are currently undergoing. This research will be useful in highlighting some of the factors that contribute to the formation of gender ideologies, and how these are culturally reinforced, through dolls and dollhouses.

Poster Presentation

Session 1

9:15am – 10:30am
Grand Salon

Anthropology