Identities: Feminism and new/digital media

There is a current debate regarding whether the use of new and digital media to further feminist campaigns constitutes a fourth wave of feminism.

Key notes

Waves of feminism
First wave: early 20th century, suffragette movement (right to vote).
Second wave: 1960s – 1990s, reproductive rights (pill), abortion, equal pay.
Third wave: 1990s – present, empowerment, reclaiming of femininity (high heels, sexuality etc. See Angela McRobbie's work on women's magazines).
Fourth wave? 2010 – ongoing, use of new technology and digital media (e.g. Twitter) for activism.

Fourth wave?
Many commentators argue that the internet itself has enabled a shift from ‘third-wave’ to ‘fourth-wave’ feminism. What is certain is that the internet has created a ‘call-out’ culture, in which sexism or misogyny can be ‘called out’ and challenged.

This culture is indicative of the continuing influence of the third wave, with its focus on challenging sexism and misogyny in advertising, film, television and the media.

Key quote: “power users of social media”

The internet has facilitated the creation of a global community of feminists who use the internet both for discussion and activism.

According to #FemFuture: Online Feminism, a report recently published by Columbia University’s Barnard Center for Research on Women, females aged between 18 and 29 are the ‘power users of social networking’.

(Source: Political Studies Association. Read more about this: http://www.psa.ac.uk/insight-plus/feminism-fourth-wave)

Critics of online feminism
Critics of online feminist movements suggest that petitions and pressure from Twitter campaigns is simply a witchhunt orchestrated by privileged middle-class white women.

They ask: are ‘trolls’ the danger they are portrayed to be?
Case study: Everyday Sexism

Watch this TEDx talk by Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates:



1) Why did Laura Bates start the Everyday Sexism project?

Laura Bates started the everyday sexism project because 'you can't solve a problem people don't want to believe in.' People are ignoring and diminishing sexism.

2) How does the Everyday Sexism project link to the concept of post-feminism? Is feminism still required in western societies?

The Everyday Sexism project shows that we are not in a post-feminism society. Feminism is still required there are too many examples of women of all ages, beliefs e.t.c who are victims of sexual harassment and assault, in the street, workplace e.t.c and don't come forward because it is seen as 'office antics' and nothing else.

3) How can you apply Judith Butler's theory of gender as a 'performance' to the creation of the Everyday Sexism project?

The idea that male and female behaviour is socially constructed can be applied here because harassment and assault is socially injected particularly in young men. The idea that there is nothing wrong and also having no reason to harass anyone shows how socially accepted it is.

4) How does Angela McRobbie's work on female empowerment link to the Everyday Sexism project?

The idea of female empowerment can be shown in a negative light when linked to the Everyday Sexism Project as media can be partially responsible for the obsession with breasts and butts. They are typically focal points of magazines and music videos. they are there for peoples 'viewing pleasure' which is unfortunately easily translated into real life where it is become the 'norm' to demand certain thing from complete strangers.

Media Magazine: The fourth wave?

Read the article: The Fourth Wave? Feminism in the Digital Age in MM55 (p64)

1) Summarise the questions in the first two sub-headings: What is networked feminism? Why is it a problem?

What is networked feminism?

The new fourth wave of feminism is also known as ‘networked feminism’. And aims to tackle socialising equality issues on and by using technology. UGC websites have flourished, twitter being the main player with their hashtags and campaigns.


Why is it a problem?

Feminists still struggle with misconceptions and prejudice such as a woman 'asking to be raped' if they're wearing a short skirt. The difference in today’s society is that in the fast-paced world of technological development, feminism can be left behind. Media, ‘feminists’ are still frequently

associated with campaigners such as the Suffragettes, who fought for the vote, threw themselves under horses and chained themselves to railings.

2) What are the four waves of feminism? Do you agree that we are in a fourth wave ‘networked feminism’? 

First wave: early 20th century, suffragette movement (right to vote).
Second wave: 1960s – 1990s, reproductive rights (pill), abortion, equal pay.
Third wave: 1990s – present, empowerment, reclaiming of femininity (high heels, sexuality etc. See Angela McRobbie's work on women's magazines).
Fourth wave? 2010 – ongoing, use of new technology and digital media (e.g. Twitter) for activism.

I do agree that we are in a fourth wave 'networked feminism' There have been plenty of organizations, campaigns and movements are being created and are thriving online. People are also continually identify as a feminist online.

3) Focus on the examples in the article. Write a 100-word summary of EACH of the following: Everyday Sexism, HeForShe, FCKH8 campaign, This Girl Can.

Everyday Sexism

Everyday Sexism is a campaign started by Laura Bates in 2012. It was a site people posted examplse of sexism faced by users. This was mainly to argue against those who believe feminism isn't needed, sexism doesn't exist and that women are in fact equal now. Thanks to the internet interaction it has become a lot more  instant and personal.

HeForShe

HeForShe is a campaign led by Emma Watson and was mainly focused on the male support for gender equality and solidarity. It has a large online presence and has shown people that feminism doesn't equal misandry.

FCKH8 Campaign

FCKH8 is a popular digital campaign and focuses on modern representations of girls and the social inequalities. It is a for profit organization and exploited feminism.

This Girl Can

This Girl Can is described as the first fitness campaign for women that doesn't shame or exclude women. It also doesn't have the sexual exploitation or body shaming seen in traditional womens fitness adverts. They have also called for a petition to stop taxing periods, where tampons are classed as luxury items when men's razors and crocodile steaks are not.

4) What is your opinion with regards to feminism and new/digital media? Do you agree with the concept of a 'fourth wave' of feminism post-2010 or are recent developments like the Everyday Sexism project merely an extension of the third wave of feminism from the 1990s?

I agree with both, this is a new concept of feminism but only to an extent and is a partial extension of third wave feminism. The internet has pushed the movement further ahead and it was only inevitable that it was going to be different from third wave as it is more internet based. However, it isn't so different that it is a completely different wave,