Description
Eating less, exercising more and losing weight seem the obvious solution for the oncoming 'obesity epidemic'. Rarely, however, is thought given to how these messages are interpreted and whether they are in fact inherently healthy.
Education, Disordered Eating and Obesity Discourse investigates how 'body centred talk' about weight, fat, food and exercise is recycled in schools, enters educational processes, and impacts on the identities and health of young people. Drawing on the experiences of young women who have developed eating disorders and research on international school curricula and the media, the authors challenge the veracity, substance and merits of contemporary 'obesity discourse'. By concentrating on previously unexplored aspects of the debate around weight and health, it is revealed how well-meaning advice can propel some children toward behaviour that seriously damages their health.
This book is not only about 'eating disorders' and the people affected, but the effects of obesity discourse on everyone's health as it enters public policy, educational practice and the cultural fabric of our lives. It will interest students, teachers, doctors, health professionals and researchers concerned with obesity and weight issues.
About the Author
John Evans is Professor of Sociology of Education and Physical Education in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, UK.
Emma Rich is Lecturer in The Body and Physical Culture in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, UK.
Brian Davies is Emeritus Professor of Education at Cardiff University, UK.
Rachel Allwood is a doctoral research student in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, UK.
Reviews
"This book is a welcome contribution to the sociology of education and to the literature on 'disordered eating'. It captures in graphic terms the experiences of a group of mainly middle class young women diagnosed as 'having an eating disorder' and offers a compelling conceptualisation of the inter-play of 'perfection codes' and 'performance codes' in their lives."
Geoff Whitty, Director, Institute of Education, London
Book Information
ISBN 9780415418959
Author John Evans
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 317g