Based on Foucauldian analysis, feminist thinkers elaborate on how female bodies are rendered docile. Cameron and McDermott suggest the example of women starving themselves to achieve contemporary ideals of a slim body.

Female Bodies as Docile

Integrating disability as a category of analysis and a system of representation expands feminist theory and contributes to feminism’s intersectionality.


Feminism Theory and Disability Studies

Foucault’s ‘docile body’ is a body that is subject to internal self-discipline. This demands a loss of power as the self-discipline stems from subjugation to hegemonic discourses and disciplinary mechanisms exercised in post-modern societies. 

University of North Texas

Franzoi’s Body Conceptualization theory has identified two processes through which people may experience their bodies- either as objects of aesthetic evaluation or as dynamic processes in which functionality takes precedence over aesthetics.

Body Conceptualization

Dhillon, M., & Kumar, A. (2026). ‘Disabled and beautiful’: young women’s negotiations of beauty and body ideals. Disability & Society

‘Disabled and beautiful’: young women’s negotiations of beauty and body ideals

"Docile Body"

Mahi and Saanvi felt differently, perceiving their bodies' appearance as more important than their functioning. However, managing appearance was a way to reshape dominant narratives about disability. Like, dying one's hair.

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