Systemic fibrosis : an intersectional feminist analysis of cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Systemic Fibrosis is about the social construction of cystic fibrosis (CF) and how the representation of this illness often excludes marginalized voices. To explore this, I draw on intersectional feminist theory to demonstrate the lack of diversity in literature, media, and medical representations of CF, particularly with regards to race, gender, sexuality, disability/illness and class. It begins with an introduction to cystic fibrosis and the prevailing images of this illness. Chapter Two provides a literature review that explores how race is represented in medical research on CF, the sociological depiction of illness, and some examples of feminist interventions around illness and disability. In Chapter Three, I discuss intersectional feminist theory, disability studies, queer theory, critical race theory and disability justice as key frameworks for my study. In Chapters Four and Five, I examine some significant representations of CF and illness through an intersectional feminist lens.