Non-binary identity in feminist zines: media third spaces and oppositional consciousness
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Despite numerous academic critiques of the normative identity dichotomies of gender (masculine vs. feminine), sex (male vs. female), sexuality (heterosexual vs. non-heterosexual), and race (white vs. non-white), many mainstream media practices fail to disrupt such binaries, often reinforcing stereotypes and underrepresenting (or misrepresenting) particular “othered” identities. This proposed research will take a turn at analyzing zines – small-scale, selfpublished, do-it-yourself booklets – in hopes of revealing specific rhetorical and discursive strategies used within the medium to articulate identities within or without a two-part identity binary, offering a “third space.” Qualitative content analysis will assign particular attention to examples of specific theoretical concepts founded in key academic literature on oppositional consciousness. Through such research, it may be possible to showcase zines as a potential media form that moves beyond binary systems of identification, having implications for future, more-inclusive mainstream media practices.
Author: Jake A. Mahr
Language: English
Topic: Gender, Feminism, and Media
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2910520359