Japan's Marshmallow World: The Community, Effervescence, and Fashion of Plus-Size Women in Japan
Chancy J. Gatlin-Anderson
Washington State University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006377
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Chancy Anderson-Dissertation-FINAL2.89 MB
Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 03/01/2026
Abstract
Body Positivity Community Effervescence Plus-Size Social Media Japan
This dissertation outlines the plus-size experience in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on themes of body positivity, shared experience of body shame and acceptance, infrastructure and influence on plus-size fashion, effervescence and community, and body positivity on social media. In this study I argue that (1) plus-size women are not outwardly ‘refusing’ through dress to conform to society as observed in classic subculture groups, but come together to produce a community which draws on approved models of collectivity already present within Japanese society, (2) Japanese plus-size women aim to fit in with general Japanese society and work to build an impression that they are just as trendy as their thinner, straight-sized counterparts, and (3) body positivity takes shape within the known parameters of Japanese social acceptability.
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Details
Title
Japan's Marshmallow World
Creators
Chancy J. Gatlin-Anderson
Contributors
Clare Wilkinson (Advisor)
Marsha Quinlan (Committee Member)
Bonnie Hewlett (Committee Member)
Awarding Institution
Washington State University
Academic Unit
Department of Anthropology
Theses and Dissertations
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University