New Books in Critical Theory Katie Beswick, "Slags on Stage: Class, Sex, Art and Desire in British Culture" (Routledge, 2025)
May 31, 2025
Katie Beswick, a Senior Lecturer in Arts Management at Goldsmiths, dives into the representation of working-class women in British culture. She discusses the evolution of the term ‘slag’ and its implications for identity in contemporary art and media. Beswick analyzes how the male gaze distorts female perspectives in film and reflects on the complexities of truth and authenticity in narratives by women. She emphasizes the intersections of class, race, and sexuality, citing examples from prominent artists like Michaela Coel, making a compelling case for deeper academic exploration.
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Origin Story of 'Slags on Stage'
- Katie Beswick shares how the term "slag" came to her mind during a conference interaction and inspired her book title.
- This personal moment sparked a project exploring the cultural charge and meanings of this controversial word.
Meaning and Origin of "Slag"
- "Slag" is a sexist insult targeting working-class women labeled as sexually excessive and gross.
- Its industrial origin metaphorically connects to a woman's "spoiled" reputation in British culture.
"Onstage" as Metaphor for Exposure
- "Onstage" in the title serves as a metaphor for public visibility and judgment linked to being called a slag.
- It originally implied theatrical depiction but evolved into representing societal spotlight on labeled women.
