May Friedman is a Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada. Her research explores Fat Studies and unstable identities.
“This is an introduction to Fat Studies that is so much more than the basics. Friedman deftly weaves together the multiple histories and theories that are shaping Fat Studies today. The result is intersectional and accessible but never simple. It will be an invaluable touchstone for the field.” Francis Ray White, University of Westminster “Fat Studies: The Basics brilliantly unpacks the complexities of fatness across social, cultural, and political facets of life. The book highlights the impact of fatness within healthcare and how media representation curates our perceptions of the body, revealing how dominant systems take up fatness and create inequities in all aspects of our lives. Each chapter evokes a thoughtful process to rethink the biases and assumptions that permeate our understanding of fatness, and encourages us to enter our everyday lives with a more nuanced understanding of inclusion, access, and body diversities.” Sonia Meerai, Assistant Professor, Laurentian University “This accessible little primer dives into the biggest ideas emerging from Fat Studies today, debunking myths and exploring the rich history and realities of fat lives. A must-read for anyone interested in social justice and body politics!” Carla Rice, Professor and Research Chair in Feminist Studies and Social Practice, University of Guelph