New Books in Critical Theory Briony Hannell, "Feminist Fandom: Media Fandom, Digital Feminisms, and Tumblr" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
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Feb 15, 2025 Briony Hannell, a sociology lecturer at the University of Manchester, dives into the vibrant intersection of feminism and fandom on Tumblr. She discusses how digital communities foster identity formation and a sense of belonging for feminist fans, especially during movements like #MeToo. The conversation explores the internal dynamics of these communities, including instances of exclusion and conflict influenced by race and ethnicity. Hannell also reflects on the evolving platforms and their impact on contemporary feminist discourse.
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Inspiration for Research
- Briony Hannell's book was inspired by the rise of feminism in popular culture and online spaces during the 2010s.
- Her personal experience in online fan communities further fueled her research.
Tumblr's Unique Platform
- Tumblr's unique multi-modality and design fostered progressive communities, including feminist and fan groups.
- This made it an ideal platform to study the intersection of these communities.
Research Participants
- Hannell recruited 342 participants from diverse backgrounds, focusing on those who identified as feminists.
- The shared interest in fandom on Tumblr was pivotal in many participants' feminist journeys.