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Obesity, stigma, and civilized oppression
Mary Madeline Rogge1, Marti Greenwald, Amelia Golden
1Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN 46112, USA. mmrogge@iupui.edu
ANS. Advances in Nursing Science
|December 17, 2004
Summary
Living with obesity involves significant stigmatization and discrimination. This chronic illness impacts individuals and families, highlighting the need for improved care and understanding of social oppression.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic illness with profound psychosocial impacts.
- Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with obesity and their families is crucial for effective healthcare.
- Social factors significantly contribute to the experience and perception of obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of individuals with obesity and their family members.
- To identify themes of stigmatization, discrimination, and social oppression in the context of chronic obesity.
- To offer insights into interpersonal relationships for improved care of the obese population.
Main Methods:
- Interpretive phenomenological design.
- Qualitative analysis of audiotaped interviews with 13 obese individuals and 5 family members.
- Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews to identify patterns of meaning.
Main Results:
- Participants frequently experienced stigmatization and discrimination due to their obesity.
- Obese individuals reported pervasive denigration and condemnation, termed 'civilized oppression'.
- Everyday encounters reinforce deviation from social norms and feelings of inferiority.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is experienced as a chronic illness involving significant social challenges.
- The concept of 'civilized oppression' provides a framework for understanding the social construction of obesity.
- New insights into interpersonal dynamics can inform more effective care strategies for individuals with obesity.