Obesity in the News: Language and Representation in the Press

This book explores the linguistic representation of obesity in the British press, combining corpus linguistics and critical discourse studies to analyze a large corpus of newspaper articles. It reveals the power of linguistic choices to shame and stigmatize people with obesity, but also shows the potential for alternative representations that focus on social and political forces.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Obesity is a pressing social issue that has garnered significant attention from the media over the years. This book delves into the linguistic representation of obesity in the British press, combining techniques from corpus linguistics and critical discourse studies to analyze a vast corpus of newspaper articles spanning ten years of obesity coverage. The study examines these articles from various methodological perspectives, exploring themes such as variation between newspapers, changes over time, diet and exercise, gender, and social class. Additionally, the volume investigates the language used by readers when responding to obesity representations in the context of online comments.

The authors of this book shed light on the powerful impact of linguistic choices on shaming and stigmatizing individuals with obesity, portraying them as irresponsible and morally deviant. However, the analysis also highlights the potential for alternative representations that emphasize the role of social and political forces in this topical health issue.

Through their comprehensive examination, the authors demonstrate how language shapes public perception and understanding of obesity. They argue that the media's portrayal of obesity often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces social inequalities, contributing to the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with obesity.

At the same time, the book showcases examples of alternative representations that challenge these negative narratives and promote a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the issue. These alternative representations emphasize the social and environmental factors that contribute to obesity, as well as the individual experiences and challenges associated with it.

By highlighting the power of linguistic choices and offering alternative perspectives, this book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics surrounding obesity and its representation in the media. It serves as a call to action for journalists, policymakers, and society as a whole to promote more inclusive and responsible discourse around this important health issue.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108818971