The politicization of Mumsnet.

Pedersen, Sarah

Abstract

This book investigates the growing politicization of Mumsnet and its use by politicians to influence middle-class women in the UK. The site's discussion topics go far beyond traditional 'mothering' subjects, and encompass politics, feminism and current affairs. Understood as a safe space for gender-critical voices, the site has spawned real-life activism and continues to be both praised and attacked for its support of free speech on controversial subjects. The author investigates how Mumsnet has become a central part of a resurgent women's rights movement in the UK. She argues that its openness to discussion around this subject has allowed the site to function as a subaltern counter-public - a space where gender-critical feminists have been able to share information and make plans for action and agitation.

Citation

PEDERSEN, S. 2020. The politicization of Mumsnet. Bingley: Emerald Publishing [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/9781839094682

• Book Type: Authored Book
• Online Publication Date: Oct 15, 2020
• Publication Date: Oct 15, 2020
• Deposit Date: Aug 3, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 15, 2020
• Publisher: Emerald
• Pages: 1-178
• Series Title: SocietyNow
• Book Title: The Politicization of Mumsnet
• ISBN: 9781839094712
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/9781839094682
• Keywords: Mumsnet; Parenting websites; Parenting online forums; Feminism; Gender politics; Transphobia
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/957151
• Related Public URLs: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2303954 (Webinar)
• Additional Information: The file accompanying this record represents only two sample chapters extracted from the full book, which can be purchased from the Emerald website: https://books.emeraldinsight.com/page/detail/The-Politicization-of-Mumsnet/?K=9781839094712
• Contract Date: Mar 31, 2020