Between ‘Postfeminism(s)’: Announcing the Arrival of Fourth Wave

Abstract

This book addresses the current resurgence of interest in feminism - notably within popular culture and media - that has led some to announce the arrival of the fourth wave. Research explores where fourth-wave feminism sits in relation to those that preceded it, and in particular, how fourth-wave feminism intersects with differing understandings of postfeminism(s). Through accessible and highly topical examples such as the controversial actions of activist group, Femen; the rising phenomenon of 'celebrity feminism'; or the assumed outdated views of feminists' associated with previous waves, the relationship between differing concepts of postfeminism(s) is illustrated. By pressing the need for an intergenerational approach to fourth-wave feminism, this book encourages engaging past debates and theorists allowing readers with an interest in the relationship between feminism and popular culture a fuller understanding of feminist theory and providing the opportunity to take stock before diving headfirst into another wave. Between "postfeminism(s)" : announcing the arrival of fourth wave -- From feminist mothers to feminist monsters : tensions across the waves -- Celebrity feminists : selling feminism or feminism selling out? -- Femen : postfeminist playfulness or reinforcing sexualized stereotypes? -- New media, new feminism? -- Concluding remarks : looking forward to the fourth wave. Acknowledgements; Contents; Chapter 1 Introduction; References; Chapter 2 Between 'Postfeminism(s)': Announcing the Arrival of Fourth Wave; Between Postfeminism(s); Postfeminism and Its Entanglement with the Fourth Wave; Beyond Postfeminism?: Entering a 'New' Wave; References; Chapter 3 From Feminist Mothers to Feminist Monsters: Tensions Across the Waves; 'In the Spirit of Motherliness'; Beyoncé and bell hooks: A Generational Divide or Political Differences; Germaine Greer: Feminist Pioneer or Pariah?; Postfeminism(s), the Snowflake Generation, and Fourth-Wave Feminism; References Chapter 4 Celebrity Feminists: Selling Feminism or Feminism Selling Out?Aspirational Feminism(s) and Neoliberal Notions of Success; Building a Movement or Building a Brand; A Backlash Against the Brand; In Defense of Celebrity Feminism?; References; Chapter 5 Femen: Postfeminist Playfulness or Reinforcing Sexualized Stereotypes?; Femen: Contested Beginnings; Postfeminism: Reassuring the West; Postfeminism(s), Agency and 'Critical Respect'; Femen, the Fourth Wave, and the Politics of Privilege; References; Chapter 6 New Media, New Feminism?; Online Activism, Offline Effects Misogyny and Social MediaWomen 'Trolling' Women, and the Internet as a Site for Feminist Debate; Intersectional Feminism Online, and Creating the Space for Nuance; New Media, Same Story?; References; Chapter 7 Concluding Remarks: Looking Forward to the Fourth Wave; Postfeminism in Action: Donald Trump and the Women Who Voted for Him; Institutionalized Sexism on Campus; Fourth-Wave Activism: Mass Action or Massively Problematic?; Inclusive and Intersectional: Aims of the Fourth Wave; References; Bibliography; Index