#MeToo, Weinstein and Feminism

This book provides a feminist analysis of #MeToo and the sexual assault allegations against celebrity perpetrators which have emerged since the Weinstein story of October 2017. It argues for the importance of understanding #MeToo in relation to an on-going history of Anglo-American feminist activism, theory and interdisciplinary research. Boyle investigates how speaking out about rape, sexual assault and harassment on social media can be understood in relation to second-wave feminist traditions of consciousness-raising. Her argument explores the media depiction of feminism – and feminists - in the wake of Weinstein and the cultural values associated with men’s abuse, particularly within the film and television industries. The book concludes with an exploration of what the #MeToo era has meant for men as victims/survivors and as alleged perpetrators, in relation to narratives of victimisation and of monstrosity.

Karen Boyle (@ProfKarenBoyle) is Professor of Feminist Media Studies and Programme Director for Applied Gender Studies at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Karen is the author of Media and Violence: Gendering the Debates (2005), editor of Everyday Pornography (2010) and co-founder of Gender Equal Media Scotland (@EqualMediaScot).

“With #MeToo, Weinstein and Feminism, Karen Boyle has created an indispensable resource for those working in gender studies, media studies, and cultural theory. In a moment when scholars and activists are wrestling with the cultural and political impact of #MeToo, Boyle carefully parses the differences between a “moment” and a movement, and importantly reminds us to think beyond the hashtag to consider history, political contradictions, and the limits of media visibility. With careful attention to gendered violence, witnessing and changing definitions of survivor/victimhood, the book is well theorized, thorough, and nuanced, and it is essential reading for those trying to understand feminist politics within the contemporary cultural and media landscape, and how we got here.” (Prof Sarah Banet-Weiser, LSE, Author Empowered: Popular Feminism & Popular Misogyny (2018))

“In a wonderfully readable, inspiring and authoritative account, Boyle shows how mainstream media coverage of the #MeToo moment re-focused our attention away from violence towards women, towards the interests of men. Offering analysis of media coverage of Harvey Weinstein; Matt Damon’s reflections on masculinity; and the ways in which male celebrity abusers have been allowed to ‘hide in plain’ sight; she unravels how media conversations have also functioned as (not so) subtle backlashes against feminism and women’s rights. Her analysis asks us to reflect on the fundamental question: why do our media narratives STILL not ask why men rape? Boyle’s beautifully written analysis contains a politics of urgency and optimism; she articulates the ways in which cultures can be transformed through an understanding of the ways in which they function. This sense of possibility and opportunity makes her careful scrutiny profoundly significant if we want to learn lessons from #MeToo.” (Prof Heather Savigny, Professor of Gender, Media and Politics at De Montfort University)

“This timely book shines an important feminist light on ‘MeToo’ - which Professor Karen Boyle convincingly argues goes beyond ‘just a hashtag’ and can be considered as a key feminist movement of our times. Professor Karen Boyle writes in a style that is both authoritative and sensitive, theoretically grounded yet incredibly readable, absolutely up to date with contemporary cases yet with roots firmly in the research and activism of her sisters. This book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding more about the MeToo movement. Professor Boyle writes that she hopes to demonstrate how those in media studies might reintegrate and learn from feminist activism and interdisciplinary scholarship on men’s violence against women. She can be congratulated in achieving this - providing an exemplary text demonstrating the crucial role of feminist media scholars in advancing theoretical and practical knowledge on pressing social problems.” (Prof Nicole Westmarland, Director, Durham University Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse)