The Impact of Expectations On Women's Bodies on Obesity

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Authors
Menchaca, Roxanna
Issue Date
2015
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Thesis
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en_US
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Abstract
In analyzing how women are unequally impacted by obesity this paper explores how their roles and expectations in society can potentially play a role in obesity. The first portion of the paper in highly focused on reasons and obstacles that women from low income areas face by being in the workforce. This intentionally sets the stage and allows others to see the daily obstacles women and their children face, which shows that obesity goes beyond simply choosing to eat "healthier". In addition, expectations of women's bodies and eating habits show how detrimental these external pressures are to a healthy relationship with food. This paper also explores how food in turn becomes moralized and serves as moral compass for people when looking at women. Exploring statistics, eating behaviors, moralization, and expectation on food shows that the individuals who are always affected are women, especially, women of color in low-income communities. This research calls for a greater understanding and compassion from society to understand that women are more than bodies. It also calls for programs around obesity take into consideration the fact that obesity is a multifaceted issue that include; daily obstacles, psychological issues, structures of power, and cultural aspects that all impact the issue.
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45 p.
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Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College.
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U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.
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