New Books in Sociology

Briony Hannell, "Feminist Fandom: Media Fandom, Digital Feminisms, and Tumblr" (Bloomsbury, 2023)

Feb 15, 2025

Briony Hannell, a Lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester, delves into the captivating relationship between fan culture and feminism, particularly on Tumblr. She discusses how digital communities shape feminist identities and narratives. Expect insights on the inclusive and exclusive dynamics within fandoms and the transformative impact of social media on feminist discourse. Hannell also reflects on the evolution of these communities, illustrating the shift from Tumblr's prominence to the emergence of platforms like TikTok in contemporary feminist discussions.

41:38

Episode guests

Briony Hannell

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights how Tumblr served as a significant platform for marginalized users to engage with feminist discourse and identity formation.

It explores the complex dynamics of community and exclusion within feminist fandom, emphasizing the challenges of navigating digital spaces.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Feminism in Popular Culture

The podcast discusses how feminism has gained visibility in popular culture, particularly during the 2010s. This period saw feminist themes permeating various outlets, such as magazines like Elle and Teen Vogue, which embraced feminist content. High-profile moments, including Beyoncé’s performance at the MTV Video Awards with 'feminist' prominently displayed, marked a significant cultural shift. The rise of hashtags like #OscarsSoWhite also highlighted feminist critiques related to media representation and inclusivity.

Intro

2min

Feminism, Fandom, and Digital Spaces

11min

Feminism in the Digital Age

8min

Fandom, Feminism, and Community on Tumblr

9min

Roles and Responsibilities in Feminist Learning Communities

2min

From Tumblr to TikTok: Feminism in the Digital Age

7min

What is the connection between fan culture and feminism? In Media Fandom, Digital Feminisms, and Tumblr (Bloomsbury, 2023), Briony Hannell, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Manchester, explores the intersection of fandom, in a variety of forms, and feminist discourses on social media. Using an in-depth case study of Tumblr, the book charts the creation of a community of feminist fans, showing how the sense of being a feminist and belonging to a digital community are created and maintained online. The analysis also reflects on how this community includes and excludes particular social groups, showing the potential and the limits of digital spaces for feminist ideas and activities. A vital intervention at a moment where social media spaces are being transformed in various ways, the book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the contemporary digital world.

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