Dr. Fady Shanouda, Assistant Professor at Carleton University’s Feminist Institute of Social Transformation (FIST), recently joined Rosie Hancock and Alexis Hieu Truong on the Uncommon Sense podcast for an episode titled Fat to discuss the intersections of fat studies, activism, and sociological inquiry.
In this engaging episode, Dr. Shanouda delves into the misconceptions surrounding fatness, challenging prevailing narratives that depict fat as merely “surplus” or “inanimate.” He introduces listeners to fat studies, an interdisciplinary field that not only critiques societal biases but also emphasizes the essential and protective roles of fat in our bodies.
Drawing from his feminist new materialist perspective, Dr. Shanouda discusses how environments can influence perceptions of fatness, encapsulated in his poignant statement, “I’m not fat in my house.” He also addresses the “fat tax”—the societal and economic burdens placed on fat individuals, from airline seating policies to clothing accessibility.
The conversation further explores the psychiatrization of fatness, the value of autoethnography in academic research, and the representation of fat bodies in media, highlighting shows like “Shrill” and “Alone” that offer nuanced portrayals.
This episode is a testament to Dr. Shanouda’s commitment to public scholarship and his efforts to make academic discussions accessible and relevant to broader audiences. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to gain deeper insights into the societal structures that shape our understanding of bodies and to reflect on the transformative potential of reimagining fatness.
Listen to the full episode here: www.thesociologicalreview.org/podcasts/uncommon-sense/fat-with-fady-shanouda