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: Hardback
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. By examining the language used in news articles, online comments, and other forms of media, the authors aim to provide a deeper understanding of the ways in which obesity is portrayed and discussed in society.

This book is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals interested in understanding the linguistic implications of obesity and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. It offers insights into the ways in which language shapes public perception, attitudes, and behaviors related to obesity, and provides a foundation for developing more inclusive and empathetic representations of this complex health issue.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108836395
Edition number: New ed