Term
Summer 2023
Capstone
Dissertation
Degree Name
EdD
Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Dr. Trish Harvey
Secondary Advisor/Reader One
Catherine Helen Palczewski
Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two
Hoinu Thirumalai Bunce
Abstract
Becoming a Badass: Developing Positive in Embodiment in Women Nicole O’Connor Abstract Almost everyone hates their bodies (normative discontent), but women and girls are most likely to engage in extreme behaviors to adjust their appearance. The United States’ history as a heteronormative, white supremacist, patriarchal, capitalist society contributes to myths about weight and health leading to anti-fat bias and harm on fat bodies. A focus on body image has limited the scope of research and Niva Piran’s Developmental Theory of Embodiment offers an alternative framework for healing normative discontent. As a woman living in a large body, the author interviewed six women about their journey from self-hatred to self-acceptance. She found women can develop positive embodiment by developing a sense of self, participating in supportive relationships, and recognizing their body’s power in movement. Focusing on the body’s agency instead of the body’s appearance offers freedom from self-hatred.
Keywords
Gender, Identity, Body Image, Embodiment
Recommended Citation
O'Connor, Nicole, "Becoming a Badass: Developing Positive Embodiment in Women" (2023). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 4578.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/4578
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations