Media and feminisms: From the first to the fourth wave and beyond, United Kingdom

Abstract

Feminisms are often described as having different phases, or waves, although it is important to note that these waves are not completely distinct from one another. While categorising feminisms into different waves may be a stereotypical approach, it serves as a useful framework for understanding the nuances and differences among various viewpoints. This article examines four distinct waves of feminisms, offering a novel perspective on gender normativity through the lens of the media used by thinkers to address the ‘woman question’ over time. The literature can be categorised into distinct waves: these include the literature produced during the first liberal wave of feminism, such as Wollstonecraft’s work, followed by the existential ideals expressed in radical feminist writings from the second wave, notably by thinkers like de Beauvoir. These ideas exploded under the postmodernist influence of the third wave, which sought to decolonise the movement’s concepts, as epitomised by the works of Moller Okin and Vergés. It is interesting to consider the emergence of a fourth wave of feminisms, particularly in light of the changing media landscape that encompasses both traditional and social forms. This evolution has allowed feminist issues to reach a broader audience. Ultimately, the article raises the question of whether it is time, as Halley suggests, to take a break from feminisms and contemplate what lies beyond the movement.
Contribution: This article presents original and novel insights into the relationship between media and women’s rights, particularly in the context of the emergence of the fourth wave of feminisms, and explores potential pathways forward.