B2 – Upper Intermediate
Have you ever observed that in the developed world, wealth and weight are somehow related? People tend to become thinner as their wealth increases, yet this association can be strongly inferred or extended to women.
Let’s watch the video below to learn more about the secret economy of thinness.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “economically rational” mean? “It is economically rational for women to try as hard as possible to be thin.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “more likely” mean? “Richer women are much more likely to be thin than poorer ones.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does the term “economic pursuit” mean? “In many ways thinness is an economic pursuit.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you agree with the correlation between wealth and weight, especially for women in developed countries? Explain.
- Are women typically leaner in your country? What could be the reason why their weight is like that?
- Can we consider the correlation between wealth and weight a tragedy? Explain your thoughts.
- What are your thoughts on this, “In many ways thinness is an economic pursuit.“?
- Share your reaction to this, “Losing 65 pounds could have the same impact on a woman’s wages as gaining a master’s degree.“.