Introducing the Red Tent

A Discursive and Critically Hopeful Exploration of Women's Circles in a Neoliberal Postfeminist Context

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2392085
AutoresMadeleine Castro (0000-0002-7963-4019, Leeds Beckett University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2020
Volumen25
Número3
Páginas386-404
Fecha de publicación2020-09-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaSociological Research Online (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1360-7804 • E-ISSN: 1360-7804
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1360780419889973
OpenAlexW2999503124
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas4
Referencias citadas32

Red Tents (RTs) are women's circles that have increased in popularity in recent years, but they are an under-researched movement. This article explores the way in which RTs are presented online by those involved. Setting these groups in a postfeminist context, and building on the work of Longman, I explore the place of RTs in relation to neoliberal discourses of individualism and autonomy. Via an analysis of the RTs online presence, I argue that the RT presents as a place of acceptance (of self and others) where negative emotions can be aired and bonds between women are formed. While acknowledging several caveats to accepting this presentation at face value - not least the potential perpetuation of hegemonic power relations, systemic inequalities and privilege, particularly regarding biological essentialism and whiteness - I also assert that the full picture is more nuanced. Drawing on a feminist position of possibility, ultimately I argue that RTs appear to offer a refuge of resistance from neoliberalism

Autonomy · Biopower · Essentialism · Hegemony · Individualism · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Law