Work

“We need a little bit of misandry to balance misogyny”: An analysis of feminist resistant discourse on Chinese social media

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines feminist resistant discourse on Weibo as a form to combat domestic violence and patriarchal narratives, analysing 1285 comments from women on four high-profile domestic violence cases. The findings highlight three key discursive strategies: the adaptation of old terms and create new neologisms to challenge patriarchal discourse; rejection of heterosexual relationships; and the construction of the “independent woman” as an ideal. This study argues that current feminist resistant discourse on Weibo has shifted away from collective action toward a focus on individual empowerment, emphasising personal attitudes and lifestyle choices over structural critique. While such discourse empowers some women and fosters emotional solidarity, it also generates internal exclusions, class-based hierarchies, and a tendency to reproduce patriarchal logic through moralising rhetoric.

Source: Discourse & Society

DOI: 10.1177/09579265261433045

Author: Lihan Miao

Institution: Durham University

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Feminism, and Media

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650