Patient activism in an era of disinformation: charting the struggle between legitimised and stigmatised voices in media discourses about type 2 diabet

Diabetes is frequently framed as a 'global epidemic', which kills 'more people worldwide than HIV/AIDS and breast cancer combined' (Moran-Thomas: 2019: 8). Yet despite its relationship with structural problems, type 2 diabetes* has been stigmatised as a 'lifestyle disease' by the mainstream media for its links to excessive consumption (Gollust and Lantz, 2009; Moran-Thomas, 2019). Identified by my BA (1st class) and MA (Distinction) research, it is evident that diabetics are rejecting such discourses, and are instead pushing counter-narratives that combat stigma and create possibilities for social change.

This proposed PhD project will build on my previous work by exploring how patient counter-narratives about diabetes can inform media discourses. It will identify the possibilities and barriers patient activists face in a contemporary media sphere, particularly at a time when both 'fake news' fears are rife and online/social media platforms allow for the growth of alternative narratives. The project will document how 'post-truth' narratives challenge the relationship dynamics between the media, experts and public. The project proposes a mixed-methodological approach that combines a Foucauldian discourse analysis with stakeholder interviews and is supported by interdisciplinary expertise from a supervisory team across Keele and Manchester