patogénre

The term *patogénre* refers to a conceptual framework in media studies and cultural analysis that examines how gender, sexuality, and other social identities intersect with pathogenic narratives—stories that center on illness, contagion, or bodily corruption. The concept was introduced by scholars like Laura Kipnis and others to analyze how media representations of disease often reinforce stereotypes about marginalized groups, particularly women and queer individuals.

Patogénre narratives frequently depict illness as a metaphor for moral or social decay, often targeting groups already stigmatized in society. For example, historical portrayals of syphilis in literature and film have frequently framed the disease as a punishment for promiscuity or "immoral" behavior, disproportionately affecting women and sexual minorities. This framing aligns with broader societal fears about contagion, reinforcing patriarchal and heteronormative structures.

The term also highlights how pathogenic narratives can serve as a tool for social control, justifying discrimination, exclusion, or medical exploitation. For instance, during the AIDS crisis, media representations often pathologized queer men, framing the epidemic as a consequence of their lifestyle rather than a public health issue requiring systemic solutions. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic saw resurgences of xenophobic and racist tropes, where illness was tied to specific ethnic or national identities.

Critics argue that patogénre narratives perpetuate harmful stereotypes while obscuring the structural factors that contribute to health disparities. By analyzing these patterns, scholars aim to expose how media and storytelling can both reflect and reinforce societal biases, particularly around gender, race, and sexuality. The concept remains relevant in discussions about health communication, media ethics, and the role of storytelling in shaping public perceptions of vulnerability and danger.