The Issues
Introduction
Discrimination towards fat people in the workplace, education system, and healthcare system has been clearly documented and is growing rapidly. Weight discrimination was reported by 7% of US adults in 1995-96, and almost doubled to 12% by 2006.
To improve working conditions, healthcare, and overall quality of life for millions of Americans, weight must be added to the list of categories covered in anti-discrimination laws. This can be accomplished on a federal, state, or local level
- Creates medical and psychological effects
- Results in wage disparity
- Affects hiring and promotion
- Affects academic options and advancement
Why Do People Partcipate in Size Discrimination? They Believe...
- Stigma and shame motivate dieting and other attempts at weight loss
- People fail to lose weight because of poor self-discipline and willpower
How Does Our Culture Allow Size Discrimination?
- Sanctions overt expression of bias in social situations and through mass media
- Says thinness is desirable & perpetuates societal messages that obesity = failure as a person
- Places blame on the victim ignores contributing environmental factors