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The Politicization of Mumsnet

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The Politicization of Mumsnet investigates the growing politicization of this parenting discussion forum and its use by politicians to influence middle-class women in the UK.
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  • 15 October 2020
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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.

Sarah Pedersen 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.

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Price: $25.99
Pages: 192
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
Imprint: Emerald Publishing Limited
Series: SocietyNow
Publication Date: 15 October 2020
ISBN: 9781839094712
Format: Paperback
BISACs:

POLITICAL SCIENCE / Political Process / Media & Internet, Media studies: internet, digital media & society, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Gender Studies, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Women in Politics

'This book dispels two myths about mumsnet:  that it is heaving with entitled, middle-class yummy mummies, or drowning in hate and bigotry. What Sarah Pedersen illustrates is that mumsnet is today a key route into feminism for both women stuck at home with toddlers, and those who understand that women do have some shared experiences -and not just having children or not. This book is informative, amusing and a call to feminist action.'

Sarah Pedersen is Professor of Communication and Media at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Her research focuses on women's use of media, particularly for political purposes, using both contemporary and historical sources.

Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Women and political debate
Chapter 3. Wooing the Mumsnet vote 
Chapter 4. A dominant theme emerging
Chapter 5. What is a woman?
Chapter 6. “Came for the babies – stayed for the feminism”
Chapter 7. Words and deeds
Chapter 8. Feeling homeless