WE ARE DIGITAL FEMINISTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA IS OUR STAGE: EXPLORING YOUNG WOMEN’S VOICES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore how feminist discourses on digital media influences the perspectives and attitudes of young women in Singapore. It analyses the extent to which social media is used as a tool to discuss feminist issues. Building on feminist theories such as digital and popular feminism and online misogyny, this thesis contributes to the field of feminist media studies by presenting data from a Singapore context. Acknowledging the personal nature of feminist discourses, this study utilises a qualitative research approach through in-depth interviews, social observation, and textual analysis. I conducted 10 in-depth interviews with female university students who are active social media users and have opinions on feminist issues. Findings showed that young women are exposed to popular feminist messaging on social media and the visibility of such messages influences the way feminism is perceived. Findings revealed the presence of online misogyny complicated the behavioural intentions of young women who want to voice out on social media. These results can help policy makers approach gender issues from women’s perspectives and implement policies to create a safer and more balanced space, online and offline, for women.