Networked feminism

Networked feminism is a phenomenon that can be described as the online mobilization and coordination of feminists in response to sexist, misogynistic, racist, and other discriminatory acts against minority groups.[1][2][3] This phenomenon covers all possible definitions of what feminist movements may entail, as there have been multiple waves of feminist movements and there is no central authority to control what the term "feminism" claims to be.[4] While one may hold a different opinion from another on the definition of "feminism", all those who believe in these movements and ideologies share the same goal of dismantling the current patriarchal social structure, where men hold primary power and higher social privileges above all others.[5]

Networked feminism is not spearheaded by one singular women's group. Rather, it is the manifestation of feminists' ability to leverage the internet to make traditionally unrepresented voices and viewpoints heard.[1] Networked feminism occurs when social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr are used as a catalyst in the promotion of feminist equality and in response to sexism. Users of these social media websites promote the advancement of feminism using tools such as viral Facebook groups and hashtags. These tools are used to push gender equality and call attention to those promoting anything otherwise.[1] Online feminist work is a new engine of contemporary feminism. With the possibility of connecting and communicating all around the world through the Internet, no other form of activism in history has brought together and empowered so many people to take action on a singular issue.[6]

  1. ^ a b c Watson, Tom (February 10, 2013). "Networked Women as a Rising Political Force, Online and Off". Tech President. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
  2. ^ Chodorow, Nancy J. (1992). Feminism and Psychoanalytic Theory (New ed.). Bangkok: Yale U.P. ISBN 978-0-300-05116-2.
  3. ^ Collins, Patricia Hill (2008). Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment ([2nd ed.]. ed.). London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0415964722.
  4. ^ Kelley, Colleen E.; Eblen, Anna L., eds. (2002). Women who speak for peace. Lanham, Md.: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 3. ISBN 978-0742508750.
  5. ^ Goldrick-Jones, Amanda (2002). Dismantling the master's house? : men who believe in feminism. Westport, Conn.: Praeger. p. 5. ISBN 9780275968229.
  6. ^ Valenti, Vanessa; Martin, Courtney E. (2012). #FemFuture: Online Revolution (Report). Barnard Center for Research on Women. Retrieved November 29, 2014.[permanent dead link]