The three existing theoretical models used to explain eating disorders are the biomedical model, psychological model, and a third model, which looks at them in a more sociological sense. The biomedical model explains disorders as purely physiological, and does not pay attention to possible sociological causes. The psychological asserts that eating disorders are caused by a wider range of issues, such as some cultural ones, but is still fairly narrow in scope. Feminists have given us a third model for study, which takes into account many cultural, historical, and such sociological factors. The key point of this model, though, is the claim that eating disorders are specifically related to gender, NOT to race.

Sociologists first began looking into the connection between sexual abuse and eating problems in the 1980s. There certainly IS a connection: studies indicate that between one and two thirds of women with eating disorders have been abused. Abuse often results in binge eating; food is the most readily available “drug” to numb the horror of abuse. Sexual abuse also sometimes results in excessive dieting and bulimia.  This happens when women believe that their (over)weight is the cause of the abuse.  However, this can eventually also lead to binge eating and oscillating weight.

Racism and classism are also sometimes causes of eating disorders. Racial minorities may see being thin as the only way to become prettier: If white girls are thin, then it becomes essential for racial minorities to be thin as well. Classism makes things even more confusing. For lower working class people, chubbier children will be seen as well fed and healthier. But in higher class families, people are expected to have a certain degree of thinness. If one’s class fluctuates –and this applies mainly to racial minorities—then one is more likely to develop eating disorders, as one tries to compensate for the out-of-whack expectations that change as one’s class does.

BY ROY

PS: A special “thank you” is due to Professor Adams for sorting out all my technical issues. Your help was most appreciated!