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Abstract

This research explores the dynamics of fat shaming within new media forms, specifically in the context of the YouTube channel TEDx Talks. Existing literature suggests that the empirical effects of fat shaming are detrimental to both the individual and wider society. Internet sites, particularly social media, have become crucial in disseminating information. These have been increasingly used as a tool by the fat activist movement to spread education and reduce weight stigma within society. This research aims to understand the dynamics of fat shaming (including the extent to which it is gendered) in the comments of TEDx Talks videos.

Targeted data collection was used with purposive sampling to select comments from videos concerned with reducing fat shaming on the YouTube channel TEDx Talks. Thematic analysis was performed in order to draw key themes from the data. The research found that whilst fat shaming attitudes were still prevalent throughout the data, the fat activist sentiments echoed throughout TEDx Talks videos encouraged thoughtful discussion and debate with many people engaging in anti-fat shaming discourse. Despite the anonymous profiles of commentators, the data suggested men were often portrayed as the key proponents of fat shame. Throughout the data, women were thought of as the main victims of fat shame, whilst often engaging in fat shaming behaviour themselves. The lack of diversity within the fat activist movement (represented by TEDx Talk speakers) was found to ultimately hinder its progress and contribute to its delegitimisation within society.

Course: Sociology - BSc (Hons) - C0315

Date Deposited: 2020-02-10

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13523.html