Abstract
In this doctoral dissertation, I examine fat stigma from a sociological perspective using six previously published essays and articles along with a literature review, and an extensive methods explication of my engagement with Creative Analytic Practice (Richardson, 2000). The themes address areas that have not been yet explored in Fat Studies, along with nuanced examples of areas which have been explored in sum, but not in the detail I offer. These include specific circumstances under which fat can be seen as a master status, stigma by association, the practice of exposure and erasure of fat people and their needs and finally, specific areas of resistance and transformative possibility. My primary contributions focus on the variable way that fat operates as a master status in social settings. In some settings (such as health and fitness) it functions as a master status, but in others, that status can be mitigated by positively valued intersecting identities. Another contribution focuses on the use of autoethnography as a Creative Analytic Practice (Richardson, 2000) to develop themes for sociological analysis and to reach non- academic audiences. Finally, I enrich existing discussions on exposure and erasure – the ways in which fat people are exposed and made vulnerable by stigma, while simultaneously experiencing an erasure of their needs (Gailey, 2014). The summary analysis draws together these themes in the six articles and expands the discussion. My starting point is the conception of fatness as a multi-faceted, gendered, socially constructed phenomenon and experience that carries social stigma and relies on constant performativity and social construction (Butler, 1993). Erving Goffman’s work on stigma and stigma management (Goffman, 1963), Becker’s work on stigma as master status (e.g. Hughes 1945, Becker 1963), and Crenshaw’s work on intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1991) offer a theoretical basis. This dissertation draws from and contributes to fat studies, feminist studies and Creative Analytic Practice (2000).Keywords: fat, gender, body, stigma, narrative, motherhood, fitness, yoga, stigma management, master status, intersectionality, Creative Analytic Practice
| Date of Award | 25 Feb 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Rusten Menard (Supervisor) & Nikki Fairchild (Supervisor) |