A multicultural education perspective: engaging students and educators to critically exam fat ideology in teacher education and P-12 classrooms

Purpose In recent years, issues related to body image, fat shaming, and societal perceptions of weight have gained more attention in educational discourse (Carmona-Márquez, et al., 2023; Dark and Aphramor, 2023; Nutter, Ireland, Alberga, et al., 2019; Schorb, 2022). The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of engaging students and educators to critically examine fat ideology in teacher education and P-12 classrooms through the lens of multicultural education. Design/methodology/approach Using a multicultural lens to examine fat phobia in education. Findings This paper explores the importance of engaging students and educators to critically examine fat ideology in teacher education and P-12 classrooms through the lens of multicultural education. Practical implications By acknowledging the intersection of body image bias with cultural diversity, educators can foster inclusive environments that challenge harmful stereotypes and promote body positivity. This paper also provides strategies for integrating discussions on fat ideology within the multicultural education framework, aiming to empower both teachers and students from a multicultural education perspective to think critically and advocate for social justice. Social implications This paper also provides strategies for integrating discussions on fat ideology within the multicultural education framework, aiming to empower both teachers and students from a multicultural education perspective to think critically and advocate for social justice. Originality/value The issue of fat phobia is rarely discussed in education.