New Books in Critical Theory

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

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.

41:38

Episode guests

Briony Hannell

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Briony Hannell emphasizes Tumblr's role as a transformative platform for feminist activism, fostering community through creative engagement with social justice.

Participants' narratives reveal how popular culture within fandom communities facilitated their understanding and acceptance of feminist identities, highlighting empowerment through shared experiences.

Deep dives

The Rise of Feminism in Popular Culture

The podcast discusses how the visibility of feminism surged in popular culture during the 2010s. This notable rise included feminist issues being featured in prominent publications such as Elle and Teen Vogue, as well as in high-profile events like Beyoncé's iconic MTV Video Awards performance with 'feminist' displayed behind her. Additionally, public debates on media representation, such as campaigns to ban lads' magazines and hashtags like Oscars So White, highlighted feminist critiques in mainstream discourse. This period marked a significant departure from earlier trends, where young women often distanced themselves from feminism, leading to a renewed interest and engagement with feminist politics.

Intro

2min

Feminism, Fandom, and Digital Media

11min

Feminism in the Digital Age

8min

Navigating Conflicts and Exclusions in Feminist Fandom Communities

5min

Tumblr's Role in Feminist Discourse

11min

Exploring Platform Nostalgia and Feminist Digital Cultures

3min

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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