Fourth wave of feminisms: Challenges for cultural studies

Abstract

Feminisms, as a field of study in cultural studies, have posed ongoing challenges to this scientific domain. This essay focuses on the challenges that the fourth wave of feminisms represents, through three of its key characteristics: intersectionality, online activism (hashtag feminism), and affective temporality. Intersectionality plays a central role in fourth-wave feminisms, deconstructing binary gender conceptions, emphasizing the intersecting nature of identity axes, and contributing to a deeper understanding of women’s experiences and complex societal power dynamics. Online activism and hashtag feminism contribute to the dissemination of ideas, mobilization of communities, and raising awareness about feminist issues. Social media and other digital platforms allow activists to reach global audiences, creating virtual communities centered on specific causes and amplifying the impact of feminist movements. In the digital context, the concept of affective temporality (Chamberlain, 2017) also gains relevance as rapid interactions and shared personal narratives evoke emotional responses, fostering a sense of community and connection among activists. This emotional dimension significantly influences feminist struggles and solidarity. Through an integrative literature review, this essay seeks to problematize these fourth wave characteristics, highlighting their challenges for cultural studies, as well as the influence they might exert in helping renew this academic field, from epistemological, theoretical, and methodological perspectives.