Feminisim

Discussing feminism and learning a range of feminist theories is an essential part of A Level Media Studies.

Are we living in a post-feminist state? Do you agree there is still a need for feminism? To what extent does the media contribute to the identity created for women in popular culture? These are some of the questions we need to consider when studying representation in A Level Media.

There is a current debate regarding whether feminism is still required in the 21st century (the idea that we are now in a 'post-feminist' state) against the view that the use of new and digital media to further feminist campaigns constitutes a new 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?

Introduction to feminism: blog tasks

Case study: Everyday Sexism

Watch the TEDx talk by Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates:

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

• So that people became aware of the everyday occurrences that happen to females all over the UK.

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

• It relates to the concept of post feminism because it talks about how expansion of feminism is over because it feels accomplished in a sense, but it really is't and it wants to carry on with women rights to further empower women. Feminism is still required by western societies.

3) Why was new technology essential to the success of the Everyday Sexism project?

• Due to the fact that it can help empower women who feels oppressed and connect these women worldwide. 

4) Will there be a point in the future when the Everyday Sexism project is not required? What is YOUR view on the future of feminism?

• No I don't believe there will ever not be a need for the Everyday Sexism project to not be required, however I believe in the future that feminism will still be around and far more accepted. 

Media Magazine: The fourth wave?

Read the article: The Fourth Wave? Feminism in the Digital Age in MM55 (p64). You'll find the article in our Media Magazine archive here.

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

• The new fourth wave of feminism is also known as ‘networked feminism’. it aims to tackle social equality issues found both on, and using, modern technology.It's a problem because the difference in today’s society is that in the fast-paced world of technological development, feminism can be left behind.

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

• The first wave refers the movement to obtain the right to vote which lasted 72 years. The women's movement of the 1960s and 1970s is generally referred to as the second wave. The more recent efforts led by women in their 20s and 30s is generally called the third wave.Also the 4th wave is basically modern day feminism with tech.

3) 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?

• Technology and digital media is deeply integrated into our society and because of this I believe that more can be done about feminism through these media platforms available to the public. I do believe int he fourth wave and don't merely believe it to be an extension of the 3rd.