kropsartikel

Kropsartikel is a term used primarily in Scandinavian media studies and journalism to describe articles that center on the human body as their main subject. The word is a compound of the Scandinavian words for “body” and “article.” In practice, kropsartikler can cover a broad range of genres, including health journalism, medical reporting, sports coverage, fashion and beauty discourse, and cultural analysis of bodily practices. The common thread is an emphasis on the body as a site of knowledge, social meaning, or power relations, rather than on external events alone.

Topics often discussed under kropsartikel include medical advances and patient experience, body image and body positivity, fitness trends, cosmetic surgery, dermatology, reproduction, biomechanics, and sports physiology. The approach may be descriptive, explanatory, or critical, and it often intersects with science journalism, medical journalism, and sociology of the body.

Kropsartikel as a label is not universally standardized and may vary by outlet or academic discipline. Critics warn that body-centered reporting can risk sensationalism or objectification if not anchored in ethical reporting and diverse representation. Proponents argue that it can illuminate health disparities, empower individuals, and foster informed choices.

See also: body image, medical journalism, health communication, sociology of the body.