Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Embracing Fatness: An Anthropological Exploration of Online Fat Acceptance Communities and Identity Formation Amidst Societal Stigma

Pham, Lisa LU (2024) SANK03 20241
Social Anthropology
Abstract
This thesis examines the dynamics of online fat acceptance communities, exploring their construction, sustainability, and influence on fat individuals. With the growth of societal stigma surrounding fatness, these communities have emerged as spaces to challenge normative beauty ideals and advocate for self-acceptance and empowerment among individuals marginalized based on their body sizes. To analyze the collective dynamics of identity formation and group cohesion, this thesis uses in-depth interviews to explore how these communities construct a collective sense of belonging and influence perceptions of fatness, identity, and self-image. By examining personal experiences and perspectives, the findings highlight the pervasive weight-related... (More)
This thesis examines the dynamics of online fat acceptance communities, exploring their construction, sustainability, and influence on fat individuals. With the growth of societal stigma surrounding fatness, these communities have emerged as spaces to challenge normative beauty ideals and advocate for self-acceptance and empowerment among individuals marginalized based on their body sizes. To analyze the collective dynamics of identity formation and group cohesion, this thesis uses in-depth interviews to explore how these communities construct a collective sense of belonging and influence perceptions of fatness, identity, and self-image. By examining personal experiences and perspectives, the findings highlight the pervasive weight-related stigma in society and emphasize how the online fat acceptance communities function as supportive environments. These digital spaces challenge societal norms and promote a sense of belonging and shared identity by providing judgment-free spaces filled with support, validation, and empowerment. The thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of community dynamics and their impact on individual experiences of fatness and identity amidst societal stigma by emphasizing the importance of acceptance, support, and respect. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Pham, Lisa LU
supervisor
organization
course
SANK03 20241
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
language
English
id
9155974
date added to LUP
2024-05-31 13:27:42
date last changed
2024-05-31 13:27:42
@misc{9155974,
  abstract     = {{This thesis examines the dynamics of online fat acceptance communities, exploring their construction, sustainability, and influence on fat individuals. With the growth of societal stigma surrounding fatness, these communities have emerged as spaces to challenge normative beauty ideals and advocate for self-acceptance and empowerment among individuals marginalized based on their body sizes. To analyze the collective dynamics of identity formation and group cohesion, this thesis uses in-depth interviews to explore how these communities construct a collective sense of belonging and influence perceptions of fatness, identity, and self-image. By examining personal experiences and perspectives, the findings highlight the pervasive weight-related stigma in society and emphasize how the online fat acceptance communities function as supportive environments. These digital spaces challenge societal norms and promote a sense of belonging and shared identity by providing judgment-free spaces filled with support, validation, and empowerment. The thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of community dynamics and their impact on individual experiences of fatness and identity amidst societal stigma by emphasizing the importance of acceptance, support, and respect.}},
  author       = {{Pham, Lisa}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Embracing Fatness: An Anthropological Exploration of Online Fat Acceptance Communities and Identity Formation Amidst Societal Stigma}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}