Big fat inequalities, thin privilege: An intersectional perspective on ‘body size’

Abstract

This article aims to claim 'body size' as an increasingly important axis of signification. It draws on research from various disciplines to present an exploratory overview of the different ways in which body size categorizations-being (considered) fat or slender-intersect with other axes, such as gender, race, sexuality, social class and age. The article argues that an intersectional perspective on body size adds to our understanding of the layeredness and complexity of power differentials, normativities and identity formations that co-produce inequalities. Furthermore, it attempts to show how processes of exclusion and marginalization based on body size categorizations are similar to racist, ableist and misogynist logics and practices. Hereby the article intends to demonstrate the vast (negative) impact of body size categorizations, specifically but not exclusively on the lives of those who occupy the marked position in relation to this axis: the 'fat'. It argues that an intersectional perspective helps us to see body size discrimination more clearly and can help disrupt dominant discourses about the body in order to create a truly 'healthy' environment in which bodies of all sizes, shapes, colours and abilities can be celebrated.

White Women Wanted? An Analysis of Gender Diversity in Social Justice Magazines

“…They also foster an identity that can potentially alienate other body types, specifically impacting people of color. Women of color often exhibit beauty aesthetics based in their own cultural legacies, or even nurture embodied difference as a form of resistance [84]. As a result, Black and Brown bodies can be pathologized or experience stigma in a thin-privileging media space.…”

Weight stigma in health: (re)thinking weight in a physiotherapy context

“…To further situate and consider the complexity of weight stigma, some authors have discussed the intersectional effects between weight stigma and other types of stigma or prejudice, such as homophobia, sexism, racism and ableism (van Amsterdam, 2013). For example, in their literature review and analysis of public health document references to lesbian obesity, argued that queer sexualities have historically been constructed as "at risk" and "sick", and that public health literature on fatness often re-pathologises lesbians.…”

“…For example, in their literature review and analysis of public health document references to lesbian obesity, argued that queer sexualities have historically been constructed as "at risk" and "sick", and that public health literature on fatness often re-pathologises lesbians. Further, the intersection between weight stigma and race has also been discussed, with a number of authors pointing to a complex relationship between adherence and resistance to thin body ideals that are often seen as imposed by white cultures (Antin & Hunt, 2013;van Amsterdam, 2013;Wee, Davis, Chiodi, Huskey, & Hamel, 2015). Probably due to many societies gendered construction of the value of appearance, a number of authors highlight that weight stigma interacts differently with different genders (van Amsterdam, 2013).…”

“…Further, the intersection between weight stigma and race has also been discussed, with a number of authors pointing to a complex relationship between adherence and resistance to thin body ideals that are often seen as imposed by white cultures (Antin & Hunt, 2013;van Amsterdam, 2013;Wee, Davis, Chiodi, Huskey, & Hamel, 2015). Probably due to many societies gendered construction of the value of appearance, a number of authors highlight that weight stigma interacts differently with different genders (van Amsterdam, 2013). Feminist scholars such as Orbach (1978) andBordo (2003) have written extensively about the relationship between weight stigma and sexism.…”

“…Relatedly, many empirical researchers have reported that women who are large receive considerably more prejudice than men who are large (e.g., Antin & Hunt, 2013;Hayden, Dixon, Dixon, Playfair, & O'Brien, 2010;van Amsterdam, 2013;Wee et al, 2015). Further, some studies have reported that men are more likely to stigmatise other people for being overweight than women are (e.g., .…”