Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

This study presents a content analysis of a random sample of 24 young adult fiction books published between 1970-1980 and 1981- 1991, showing the portrayal of obese characters and determining if this portrayal changed over time. Findings concerning obesity were: negative presentations in 79.2%, presence of ridicule in 87 .5% and rejection in 83.3%, obesity shown as a problem to solve by dieting, and a rise of 37.5% in negative portrayals in more recently published books . It is concluded that the idea of "fat acceptance" has not had an effect on young adult fiction and that despite modern society's campaigns against "isms," stereotyping is prevalent in relation to obesity. Application of this study could be made to selection practices and in future writing featuring obese characters.

Year of Submission

1992

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Department

Division of School Library Studies

First Advisor

Barbara R. Safford

Comments

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Date Original

11-1992

Object Description

1 PDF file (v, 101 pages)

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