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: 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:
Class research task
Feminism online: recent examples
In your pair, research one of the following cases - it will be assigned by your teacher.
1) Ched Evans: petition to prevent convicted rapist playing
2) Caroline Criado-Perez: female presence on banknotes
3) Caitlin Moran: Twitter silence
4) Emma Watson: HeForShe gender equality campaign
5) Emma Barnett: female journalists targeted
Use the links provided AND other sources to ensure you have a balanced view of the example in question. Remember, you need to be able to explore the issue from a variety of perspectives to achieve an A/A* grade.
Complete the following tasks in your pair and prepare to feed back to the class:
1) Summarise this example for the rest of the class in one paragraph
2) What was the initial incident or situation that sparked this example?
3) In your opinion, is this an example of a valid campaign or something of a witchhunt against people who are not doing any serious harm?
Individual blog task
Choose THREE of the examples above, read the linked articles and complete the three tasks above on your MEST3 exam blog for each.
Complete for homework if you don't manage to finish this in lesson time - deadline set by your teacher.
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