The Sick Woman Theory, developed by Johanna Hedva, is a framework that challenges the traditional notions of activism and societal value. It argues that the prevailing systems of power (capitalism, patriarchy, white supremacy) privilege productivity, health, and physical presence, while marginalizing those who are disabled, chronically ill, or otherwise unable to participate in conventional activism.

Hedva centers the experiences of those who are “too sick” to march, protest, or engage in public demonstrations, asserting that their existence and survival in a system that devalues them is itself a form of resistance. The theory emphasizes care, rest, and interconnectedness as radical acts, advocating for a redefinition of activism to include care work, emotional labor, and the invisible, often-overlooked efforts of the sick, disabled, and marginalized.

The Sick Woman Theory calls for a broader understanding of political engagement that recognizes the lived experiences of those whose bodies and minds don’t conform to societal norms and invites us to rethink collective responsibility, solidarity, and justice.

Download the 2020 version here or visit the article updated in 2022 with links to further resources here: https://topicalcream.org/features/sick-woman-theory