MIGRAIN: Introduction to feminism

1) Why did Laura Bates start the Everyday Sexism project?

She had three instances of sexual harassment happen to her in a week, causing her to question the normality of it. 

2) How does the Everyday Sexism project link to the concept of post-feminism? Is feminism still required in western societies?

Evidently, feminism must still be required in western societies as women are still objectified.

3) Why was new technology essential to the success of the Everyday Sexism project?

It gave the movement a wider reach than it might've had without the internet. 

4) Will there be a point in the future when the Everyday Sexism project is not required? What is YOUR view on the future of feminism?

I don't think there will be as prejudice is very hard to eliminate. Somewhere, somehow, someone will still think acting inappropriately to women is funny and acceptable behaviour. 


Media Magazine: The fourth wave?

Read the article: The Fourth Wave? Feminism in the Digital Age in MM55 (p64). You'll find the article in our Media Magazine archive here.

1) Summarise the questions in the first two sub-headings: What is networked feminism? Why is it a problem?

"The new fourth wave of feminism is also known as ‘networked feminism’. it aims to tackle social equality issues found both on, and using, modern technology."

The issue presented with it is that the main idea of Feminism is only partially understood because of too many threads and outlets. They consider Feminism to be left behind.

2) What are the four waves of feminism? Do you agree that we are in a fourth wave ‘networked feminism’? 

First wave- Early 20th century, suffragette movement, right to vote
Second wave- 1960 to 1990s, reproductive rights (pill), abortion, equal pay (includes 1970 radical feminism)
Third wave- 1990 to present empowerment, reclaiming of femininity, (high heels, sexuality)  changing sexism in advertising.

3) Focus on the examples in the article. Write a 100-word summary of EACH of the following: Everyday Sexism, HeForShe, FCKH8 campaign, This Girl Can.



4) What is your opinion with regards to feminism and new/digital media? Do you agree with the concept of a 'fourth wave' of feminism post-2010 or are recent developments like the Everyday Sexism project merely an extension of the third wave of feminism from the 1990s?


I agree that we're in a Fourth wave as we have opened doors for women to talk about their experiences with sexism and how they have been treated in a supposedly 'Post-Feminism' state. There is still a lot of growth that needs to be done by everyone, not just men, to achieve a society where everyone feels like they belong. We cannot ignore race or sexuality in the movement, nor can we ignore nationality.