Thesis
ABSTRACT
Strabismus: Between Stigma and Social Representation
This thesis explores the topic of strabismus through the lens of social psychology. Strabismus is a visual condition that, in addition to its clinical and functional implications, can significantly affect the psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships of those who experience it. While medical attention has primarily focused on the treatment of the disorder, aspects concerning subjective experience, social prejudice, and stigma remain largely underexplored, and they are addressed only in a fragmented manner within the literature.
The present study aims to examine the existing body of research on prejudice and stigma associated with strabismus and to explore potential strategies for addressing them, also taking into account studies on other forms of stigma, such as weight-related stigma. The first chapter defines strabismus, analysing its impact on binocular vision, its development, main causes, and possible treatment options. The second chapter delves into the concepts of prejudice and stigma, assessing their impact on quality of life, with a specific focus on individuals with strabismus. The third chapter outlines the most effective current strategies for reducing prejudice and combating stigma, with a particular focus on the representation of strabismus in the media. These theoretical foundations are essential for understanding the rationale and objectives of the photographic project presented in Chapter 4. Through a qualitative analysis of the collected data, the goals, actions, and tools of the project are illustrated, with the aim of critically reflecting on how such initiatives may concretely contribute to the fight against discrimination.
The full thesis is available here only in Italian
Take me back to the phography project
Strabismus: Between Stigma and Social Representation
This thesis explores the topic of strabismus through the lens of social psychology. Strabismus is a visual condition that, in addition to its clinical and functional implications, can significantly affect the psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships of those who experience it. While medical attention has primarily focused on the treatment of the disorder, aspects concerning subjective experience, social prejudice, and stigma remain largely underexplored, and they are addressed only in a fragmented manner within the literature.
The present study aims to examine the existing body of research on prejudice and stigma associated with strabismus and to explore potential strategies for addressing them, also taking into account studies on other forms of stigma, such as weight-related stigma. The first chapter defines strabismus, analysing its impact on binocular vision, its development, main causes, and possible treatment options. The second chapter delves into the concepts of prejudice and stigma, assessing their impact on quality of life, with a specific focus on individuals with strabismus. The third chapter outlines the most effective current strategies for reducing prejudice and combating stigma, with a particular focus on the representation of strabismus in the media. These theoretical foundations are essential for understanding the rationale and objectives of the photographic project presented in Chapter 4. Through a qualitative analysis of the collected data, the goals, actions, and tools of the project are illustrated, with the aim of critically reflecting on how such initiatives may concretely contribute to the fight against discrimination.
The full thesis is available here only in Italian
Take me back to the phography project