New Books Network Erin Pritchard, "Midgetism: The Exploitation and Discrimination of People with Dwarfism" (Routledge, 2023)
May 23, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Erin Pritchard, a senior lecturer at Liverpool Hope University and expert on dwarfism, challenges the harmful societal attitudes towards individuals with dwarfism. She introduces 'midgetism', a term she coined to describe the exploitation and discrimination these individuals face. The conversation dives into the problematic nature of ‘midget entertainment’ like midget wrestling and the need for respectful representation. Pritchard also addresses the importance of activism within the dwarf community to combat misconceptions and promote dignity.
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Personal Experience with Dwarfism
- Erin Pritchard shares her personal experience living with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism.
- She noticed cultural representations of dwarfism were outdated and lacked understanding, motivating her research.
Understanding Meditism Concept
- 'Meditism' is coined to describe unique discrimination people with dwarfism face beyond heightism and disablism.
- The derogatory term 'midget' is reclaimed to connect discrimination with freak show history.
Role of Non-Normative Spaces
- Non-normative spaces are where people with dwarfism often are found, which can aid or harm them.
- Normate spaces favor average-sized individuals and reinforce discriminatory attitudes about dwarfism.