Anthropology of Body Image

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Evaluates core psychological, medical, evolutionary and anthropological theories of body image, eating disorders, fat and cosmetic surgery. Surveys and critiques theories of body image from the lens of medical anthropology and global mental health. Develops expertise in articulating the major theoretical questions, strengths and limitations of different frameworks, particularly in relation to cross-cultural variation. Critically analyzes global case studies of body image-related illnesses. Applies anthropological theories to identifying biases in the body image literature and public health consequences. Formulates anthropological solutions to conversations and concerns in the body image literature surrounding emerging trends, cross-cultural value- and knowledge-systems, and the challenges of treatment. TOPICS AND THEMES. Analysis of anthropological theories of the body; critique of current theories of body image and eating disorders; assessment of psychological and anthropological approaches to fat talk; critique and synthesis of biomedical and social justice approaches to weight and weight stigma; evaluation of limitations of eating disorders research from a cross-cultural perspective; formulation of anthropological solutions to emerging discussions in body image among men, racial minorities and sexual minorities; evaluating the cross-cultural motivations and ethics of cosmetic surgery; critiquing current treatments for eating disorders and obesity from an anthropological lens. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; or approval of instructor.