Adiposity and Anarchism: Exposing and Examining Fat Oppression in a Capitalist Society.

Abstract

The objective of this research is to expose and examine the ways in which fat bodies are oppressed in a capitalist society, while using Anarchist and Queer Theory perspectives. Drawing from contemporary authors in the fields of Fat Studies and Anarchism, Sarah looks at the ways in which capitalism constructs and exploits the body as means of consumption and production. Research has been conducted showing that body size plays a large role in ones socioeconomic status and life trajectory. In a capitalist society fat individuals are exploited, whether it is being forced to buy an extra travel ticket to being told that they must assimilate to the societal expectation of what a body should look like. Viewing fat oppression from an anarchist perspective and further exposing the need to break down hierarchies is inherently feminist, and it is the goal of my research to work toward more equitable society for all and giving voice to those who are oppressed and silenced.