Clive Seale
The interaction of class and gender in illness narratives
Seale, Clive; Charteris-Black, Jonathan
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 |
You might also like
Metaphors of Brexit: No cherries on the cake?
(2019)
Book
Competition metaphors & ideology: Life as a race
(2017)
Book Chapter
All-consuming passions: Fire metaphors in fiction
(2017)
Journal Article
Conclusion
(2017)
Journal Article