New Books in Sociology May Friedman, "Fat Studies: The Basics" (Routledge, 2025)
Sep 8, 2025
May Friedman, a Professor of Social Work at Toronto Metropolitan University, dives into the fascinating realm of Fat Studies, outlining its impact on societal perceptions of body image. She unpacks myths surrounding fatness as a site of oppression and challenges the idea that being fat is a choice. The discussion spans the intersections of race, gender, and health, while celebrating fat activism as a powerful form of resistance. Friedman also emphasizes the need for compassionate dialogue and positive representations of fat lives in media and society.
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Origin Story Of The Book
- May Friedman described arriving in an anti-oppressive department with no politics around fat, which sparked her work in fat studies.
- A request from Routledge and an inspired class led her to write the accessible book she wanted students' families to read.
Students' Desire To Share Learnings
- Friedman recalled students saying they wanted their mothers in class or to hear the readings at home.
- Those reactions shaped her intention to write a book that students' families could access and learn from.
Why Use The Word 'Fat'
- Friedman prefers the term "fat" as a reclaimed, elastic signifier rather than clinical terms like obese or overweight.
- She cautions that fat should be used with consent because the word still carries violence and power.
