Introduction to feminism

 Everyday Sexism

Watch the Everyday Sexism TED talk from Laura Bates (linked above) and answer the following questions:

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

Laura Bates started the Everyday Sexism project in 2012 because she felt people weren’t paying enough attention to the sexism women face daily. She wanted to create a space where women could share their experiences and make people aware of how common sexism is in society.

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

The Everyday Sexism Project challenges post-feminism by exposing how sexism remains pervasive despite claims that feminism is no longer needed. It highlights the persistence of gender inequality in daily life, proving feminism is still essential in western societies to address systemic sexism, harassment, and underrepresentation of women.

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

It provided a global, accessible platform for sharing experiences anonymously, amplified voices through social media, and created a widespread movement by enabling stories to reach and engage a broad audience.

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?

The Everyday Sexism Project may not be needed if sexism ends, but feminism is still important to address ongoing issues and ensure gender equality.

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?

Networked feminism is the fourth wave of feminism that uses modern technology, particularly the internet and social media, to address social equality issues. It involves online activism through blogs, hashtags, campaigns, and community engagement, making feminist ideologies more accessible and allowing instant participation.

While networked feminism has revived feminist ideologies and expanded their reach, it also faces challenges such as opposition (#WomenAgainstFeminism), the potential for misinformation, and the polarisation of views online. The open nature of the internet allows both support and backlash, creating a complex landscape for feminist discourse.

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

• First wave: Focused on legal issues, such as women’s right to vote (suffrage).

• Second wave: Addressed workplace inequality, reproductive rights, and broader societal discrimination.

• Third wave: Centered on diversity, intersectionality, and individual identity.

• Fourth wave: Uses digital platforms to raise awareness of issues like sexual harassment, body shaming, and gender equality. 

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

Everyday Sexism: A project where women share their stories of sexism to show how common it is in daily life.

HeForShe: A campaign encouraging men and boys to support gender equality.

FCKH8 campaign: A bold campaign using humor and shock on social media to challenge sexism and inequality.

This Girl Can: A campaign inspiring women to take part in sports by breaking down stereotypes and barriers.

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 think digital media has made feminism stronger and more inclusive. It helps people connect, share stories, and raise awareness globally.While the Everyday Sexism project shares ideas with the third wave, the focus on using technology to create change makes the fourth wave unique. I agree that we’re in a new wave of feminism that’s shaped by social media and digital activism.