Covering up Disfigurement and Laughing it Off: Reinforcing Inequality in Breast Cancer Support Groups

摘要: The present study examines how women in breast cancer support groups managed the emotions evoked by physical disfigurement of their disease and its treatment. Four located central North Carolina were studied over an approximately three-year period. Data derive from field observation four groups, addition to 35 in-depth interviews with group members leaders. Analysis shows concealed disfigurement, practiced compensatory femininity, engaged sexualized joking cope embarrassment, shame, self-doubt resulting changes bodies, including loss a sometimes hair. While these strategies seemed help feel better about themselves at least some time, analysis also contributed reproduction gender inequality, reinforcing traditional standards beauty gendered expression emotions.