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The interaction of class and gender in illness narratives

Seale, Clive; Charteris-Black, Jonathan

Authors

Clive Seale



Abstract

Perspectives on gender and identity that emphasize variability of performance, local context and individual agency have displaced earlier paradigms.These are now perceived to have supported gender stereotypes and language ideologies by emphasizing gender difference and homogeneity within genders. In a secondary analysis of health and illness narratives we explore the interaction of class and gender in individuals' constructions of gendered identity. High social class men perform gender in particularly varied ways and we speculate that this variable repertoire, including the use of what was once termed 'women's language', is linked to a capacity to maintain social distinction and authority. Men's performance of conventional masculinity is often threatened by both the experience of illness and being interviewed about personal experience. Lower social class women in particular demonstrate an intensification of a pre-existing informal family and support group culture, marking successful members by awarding them the accolade of being 'lovely'. © 2008 BSA Publications Ltd.

Citation

Seale, C., & Charteris-Black, J. (2008). The interaction of class and gender in illness narratives. Sociology, 42(3), 453-469. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038508088835

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2008
Journal Sociology
Print ISSN 0038-0385
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 42
Issue 3
Pages 453-469
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038508088835
Keywords class, gender, illness
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1012283
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0038038508088835