Discipline: Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
Subcategory: Social Sciences/Psychology/Economics
Session: 3
Room: Exhibit Hall A
Assata Armstrong-Parham - Bowie State University
Co-Author(s): Niyala Pritchett, Bowie State University, Greenbelt, MD; Emmanuela Abraham, Bowie State University, Upper Marlboro, MD
Historically, feminist movements have been criticized for being predominately led by and focused on issues of middle class, heterosexual, Caucasian women. Few studies have empirically examined perceptions of cultural inclusivity in feminist movements. This cross-sectional study analyzed a subset of 507 online survey responses to measure perceived inclusivity in the current #MeToo cyberfeminist movement among diverse women between 18 and 65 years old. Specifically, statistically significant differences in perceptions of inclusivity between women from different racial, age, and sexual identities were hypothesized. No differences were found between Caucasian vs. Black women or Younger vs. Older women. However, statistically significant differences between Heterosexual women and LGBTQ+ women were found. This study suggest that contrary to public opinion, many women of different cultural backgrounds, do feel included in the #MeToo movement. However, additional analysis is needed to explore participants definition of inclusivity and level of participation in the #MeToo cyberfeminist movement. RESEARCH QUESTION Do diverse groups of women feel included in the #MeToo feminist movement? HYPOTHESES 1A. It is expected that there will be significantly higher ratings of perceived inclusivity among Caucasian women compared to Black women. 1B. It is expected that there will be significantly lower ratings of perceived inclusivity among Older women (ages 36-65) compared to Younger women (18-35). 1C. It is expected that there will be significantly lower ratings of perceived inclusivity among LGBTQ+ women compared to Heterosexual women. METHODS Participants A random sample of individuals who identify as female between 18 and 65 years old (n=507) were recruited through websites and social media. Procedures An anonymous online survey was deployed via SurveyMonkey in July 2018 and posted on national social science research websites and social media. Informed consent was obtained before starting the online survey. Participants were given the option to enter a raffle for a $50 gift card. Results: Hypothesis 1A was NOT supported TPI Caucasian women≅TPI Black Women Hypothesis 1B was NOT supported TPI Older women≅TPI Younger Women Hypotheses 1C was NOT supported However, statistically significant differences were found TPI LGBTQ+ women > Heterosexual women. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our expectations, there were no significant differences in perceived inclusivity across racial and age groups — each “Agree” that the #MeToo movement is culturally inclusive. Given that Black women are more likely to be victims of sexual abuse, these results suggest that Black women resonate with the #MeToo movement’s focus on sexual assault and harassment by men in power (Onwuachi-Willig, 2018). Regarding age differences, as Aronson (2003) contends, older feminists are active in various ways, including social media. Our results suggest that the feminist issues of the #MeToo movement appeal to women of different ages. While our hypothesis that LGBTQ+ women would report lower ratings of perceived inclusivity than Heterosexual women was not supported, surprisingly, statistically significantly higher ratings were found among LGBTQ+ women. Specifically, LGBTQ+ participants “Strongly Agree” that the #MeToo movement is inclusive. It is possible that LGBTQ+ women are more active in social protests, including cyberfeminism, compared to Heterosexuals due to this group’s views on the government and gender roles (Swank and Fahs, 2017). Areas for Future Research Future studies should include a focus group to allow participants to candidly discuss their definition and perceptions of inclusivity in the #MeToo Movement.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): HBCU-UP; DOE - McNair Scholars Program
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ayanna Lynch, alynch@bowiestate.edu
Role: research question, managed the data, interpreted the data, and presented the research