Discussing feminism and learning a range of feminist theories is an essential part of A Level Media Studies.

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Discussing feminism and learning a range of feminist theories is an essential part of A Level Media Studies.

Are we living in a post-feminist state? Do you agree there is still a need for feminism? To what extent does the media contribute to the identity created for women in popular culture? These are some of the questions we need to consider when studying representation in A Level Media.

There is a current debate regarding whether feminism is still required in the 21st century (the idea that we are now in a 'post-feminist' state) against the view that the use of new and digital media to further feminist campaigns constitutes a new fourth wave of feminism.

Key notes

Waves of feminism

First wave:early 20th century, suffragette movement (right to vote).

Second wave:1960s – 1990s, reproductive rights (pill), abortion, equal pay.

Third wave:1990s – present, empowerment, reclaiming of femininity (high heels, sexuality etc. See Angela McRobbie's work on women's magazines).

Fourth wave?2010 – ongoing, use of new technology and digital media (e.g. Twitter) for activism.

Fourth wave?

Many commentators argue that the internet itself has enabled a shift from ‘third-wave’ to ‘fourth-wave’ feminism. What is certain is that the internet has created a ‘call-out’ culture, in which sexism or misogyny can be ‘called out’ and challenged. 

This culture is indicative of the continuing influence of the third wave, with its focus on challenging sexism and misogyny in advertising, film, television and the media. 

Key quote: “power users of social media”

The internet has facilitated the creation of a global community of feminists who use the internet both for discussion and activism. 

According to #FemFuture: Online Feminism, a report recently published by Columbia University’s Barnard Center for Research on Women, females aged between 18 and 29 are the ‘power users of social networking’.

(Source: Political Studies Association. Read more about this: http://www.psa.ac.uk/insight-plus/feminism-fourth-wave)

Critics of online feminism

Critics of online feminist movements suggest that petitions and pressure from Twitter campaigns is simply a witchhunt orchestrated by privileged middle-class white women.

They ask: are ‘trolls’ the danger they are portrayed to be?

Introduction to feminism: blog tasks

Case study: Everyday Sexism

Watch the TEDx talk by Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates:

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

So that other men and women could see that other people also experience sexism and they can understand that it isn't justified. Also so that people could acknowledge that sexism is a problem.

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

Post-Feminism is moving beyond or rejecting some of the ideas of feminism as out of date. These link as the Everyday Sexism project is designed to address post feminism and get rid of it. In western societies feminism is still required as men and women are not yet totally equal.

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

New technology allows many people to share there views on a world wide scale. It has also allowed the website to get free advertising from other news articles and websites meaning many more people can see it.

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?

Th Everyday Sexism project will always be required due to many people not changing their views or ways of thinking, and passing those views onto their children meaning it will be continued.

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 known as the new fourth wave of feminism. Aims to tackle social equality issues found on and using modern technology.

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

First wave began late 19th to early 20th century, mainly focused on suffrage.
Second wave began 1960s focused on equal rights led to Equal Pay Act.
Third wave began late 1990s known as Post-Feminism.
Fourth wave known as networked feminism.

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 with concept of fourth wave feminism as it combine with modern technology. this allows feminist from all over the world to connect and share there stories.modern technology is also used to push feminism foreward to highlight issues with modern society.