Postfeminism and Body Image

Postfeminism and Body Image is a groundbreaking work that provides a poststructuralist and psychosocial analysis of key issues at the intersections of body image, psychology and media. The book outlines the theoretical framework through the work of renowned philosophers, Michel Foucault and Gilles Deleuze, and their use in feminist scholarship, to address body-image issues and challenges in the context of a postfeminist sensibility.

The authors rethink body image, calling into question assumptions and obligations that affect recent issues related to social-media use, body positivity, the transformation imperative, body shaming and muscular masculinity. The analysis shows the advantage of seeing body image as a form of non-linear warfare, structured by contradiction, confusion and critique, where attempts to challenge oppressive body image practices are appropriated under the guise of positive alternatives to maintain that oppression. Through real-world examples, these nuanced concepts are made relatable and comprehensible to the readers. The book also offers a number of affirmative and hopeful ways forward.

This is an indispensable resource for students and professionals of Gender studies, Health Psychology, Social Psychology and Media and Cultural Studies. It is also ideal for anyone exploring body image, self-image, postfeminism and poststructualism.

Prof. Sarah Riley is a Professor in Critical Health Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand and the director of its Health Psychology Masters programme. Her research examines discourse, affect and materiality in relation to digital technology, subjectivity, gender, bodies and neoliberalism.

Dr. Adrienne Evans is Reader for Media in the Centre for Postdigital Cultures at Coventry University, UK. Her research focuses on accounts of intimacy in the context of a postfeminist sensibility. In her work, she explores ways in which gender organises personal, social, intimate and cultural relationships, as well as their manifestations in media culture.

Dr. Martine Robson is a lecturer in Psychology at Aberystwyth University. Her work focuses on how people negotiate individualistic health-related lifestyle advice, and uses poststructuralist theory to examine the ways in which people adopt and resist neoliberal healthism.

Also published by the authors Postfeminism and Health: Critical Psychology and Media Perspectives, winner of the 2021 BPS Book Award, Academic Text category.