Mary Catherine Whitlock is a sociologist-turned-journalist whose work for The Crunchy Crusader deconstructs beauty standards through a cultural and equity-focused lens. She holds a PhD in Sociology and regularly contributes to academic journals like Culture, Health, and Sexuality.
“Whitlock’s research redefines what ‘health’ means in marginalized communities.” —Dr. Sara Crawley, co-author of Smithing Queer Method
Connect with her via The Crunchy Crusader for pitches involving grassroots activism or interdisciplinary beauty analysis.
Mary Catherine Whitlock has carved a unique niche at the intersection of sociology and beauty journalism. With a PhD in Sociology from the University of South Florida and a graduate minor in History, she brings academic rigor to her role as a contributing writer for The Crunchy Crusader. Her work challenges conventional beauty paradigms by examining how cultural narratives shape perceptions of gender, health, and identity. Prior to journalism, she taught courses on medical sociology and gender studies at the University of North Georgia, where she published peer-reviewed research on LGBTQ+ health equity and feminist theory.
[Note: Specific article URLs and titles from The Crunchy Crusader are not available in the provided search results. Below analysis focuses on her academic work.]
This ethnographic study, published in Uniformly Discussed: Sportswomen’s Apparel Around the World, explores how roller derby athletes subvert traditional femininity through sportswear. Whitlock conducted 18 months of participant observation, revealing how athletes use DIY aesthetics to challenge gendered expectations in sports. The work highlights themes of agency and resistance, showing how subcultures redefine beauty standards. Her methodology blends interviews with material culture analysis, offering a blueprint for translating academic research into accessible journalism.
Published in Culture, Health, and Sexuality, this qualitative study interviews 30 lesbian and bisexual women about sexual health practices. Whitlock exposes systemic gaps in medical education and LGBTQ+ healthcare access, arguing that heteronormative assumptions in public health campaigns marginalize queer communities. The article’s impact led to collaborations with advocacy groups to design inclusive sexual education resources, demonstrating her ability to bridge academic research and public discourse.
Whitlock prioritizes stories that examine beauty through the lens of race, class, and queerness. For example, her analysis of roller derby attire ties fashion to feminist resistance. Pitches should highlight how products or trends reinforce or disrupt power dynamics (e.g., sustainable beauty brands addressing economic inequality). Avoid generic “how-to” skincare guides unless they address systemic issues like environmental racism.
Her research on LGBTQ+ health disparities reveals a preference for data-supported storytelling. Successful pitches might include studies on mental health impacts of beauty standards or demographic shifts in cosmetic surgery. Pair datasets with human-centered narratives, such as interviews with nonbinary individuals navigating gendered skincare marketing.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Beauty, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
