Sabrina Strings

Sabrina Strings is a sociology professor at the University of California, Irvine and a prominent researcher in the fields of race, gender, and body image studies. Her work examines the historical and cultural intersections between race, body size, and social perceptions. Her most influential book "Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia" (2019) traces the development of fatphobia in Western society back to the transatlantic slave trade and race science. This research challenged conventional narratives about the origins of anti-fat bias and received the 2020 Best Publication Award from the Body and Embodiment Section of the American Sociological Association. Strings has published extensively in academic journals including Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society and The Journal of Women's Health. Her commentary and expertise have been featured in major media outlets such as BBC News, NPR, and The Huffington Post. As a leading voice in fat studies and critical race theory, Strings frequently gives lectures and presentations examining how historical racial and gender prejudices continue to influence modern beauty standards and public health policy. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego.

Readers praise Strings' detailed historical research and clear connections between racism and fat discrimination in "Fearing the Black Body." Reviews highlight how the book reveals overlooked aspects of medical and social history. Positive comments focus on: - Well-documented evidence spanning centuries - Clear writing style for complex academic topics - Fresh perspective on intersections of race and body image Critical reviews mention: - Dense academic language can be challenging - Some sections repeat key points - Limited discussion of modern-day solutions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (900+ ratings) One reader noted: "Changes how you think about everything from diet culture to medical care." Another criticized: "Important research but could be more accessible to general readers." The book resonates particularly with readers interested in social justice, medical history, and intersectional feminism. Academic readers appreciate the extensive citations and research methodology.

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia (2019) A historical analysis that traces how race science and slavery influenced Western society's attitudes toward body size and established enduring connections between race and weight stigma.

Dorothy Roberts examines the intersection of race, gender, and science in works like "Fatal Invention" and "Killing the Black Body." Her research shows how medical racism and scientific prejudices have shaped policies affecting Black women's bodies and reproductive rights.

Roxane Gay writes about body politics, feminism, and Blackness through both academic and personal lenses in works like "Hunger" and "Bad Feminist." Her work centers on the lived experience of existing in a larger Black female body in contemporary America.

Andrea Elizabeth Shaw explores the cultural politics of body size in the Caribbean and African diaspora through works like "The Embodiment of Disobedience." Her research connects colonial history to modern body image standards in Black communities.

Da'Shaun Harrison analyzes the intersections of anti-Blackness, gender, and fatphobia in "Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness." Their work examines how anti-fat bias functions as a form of racial and gender oppression.

Tressie McMillan Cottom investigates issues of race, class, and gender in higher education and society through works like "Thick: And Other Essays." Her sociological analysis includes examination of beauty standards and body politics in Black communities.