Assignment Instructions: WGST 201-02
Introduction
The intertwining forces of politics, culture, and the digital age have played a transformative role in shaping the discourse of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. This research paper delves into the complex interactions between these spheres, exploring how they have influenced the understanding and representation of women, gender, and sexuality. Through a multimodal lens, this paper not only analyzes the textual aspects but also incorporates visual and digital components to provide a comprehensive examination of the subject.
Prompt
The Intersection of politics, culture, and the digital age in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies points to the shaping of identities. Explain the ways in which social media help to show how each entity (politics, culture, and the digital age) affects gender identity, and how they intersect to challenge the norms of heterosexuality.
Body Paragraph 1: Politics has been a driving force in shaping the narratives surrounding women, gender, and sexuality.
Body Paragraph 2: Culture serves as a dynamic backdrop against which gender identities are constructed and negotiated.
Body Paragraph 3: The advent of the digital age has introduced new dimensions to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Conclusion: restate your thesis and your main points. Add a closing statement.
Multimedia Presentation
Incorporate five memes, social media posts, and/or cartoons as visual elements related to the political, cultural, and digital age that have affected gender identity. Utilize these forms of media to enhance the presentation of information and engage the audience visually. Each visual must be labeled. Be creative. Attach as APPENDIX 1 after the conclusion of the research paper and before the works cited page.
Works Cited/Reference: Ensure proper citation of all sources used in the research paper, following either MLA or APA format as specified in the assignment guidelines. Double-check in-text citations and the format of the works cited page to adhere to the chosen citation style.
Title: Research Paper Rubric: The Intersection of Politics, Culture, and Digital Age in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
THIS IS ONE DOCUMENT WITH :
1. RESEARCH PAPER
2. APPENDIX 1
3. WORKS CITED PAGE
ALL COMBINED IN ONE DOCUMENT.
Other Information:
This is a research paper that must strictly adhere to MLA or APA format of writing.
You must have good grammar and other mechanics of English.
You must have a title.
You must have an introduction with a thesis as the last sentence.
You must have at least 3 body paragraphs each with a clear topic sentence and at least 15 supporting sentences.
You must edit your paper effectively.
You must have intext citations.
You must have a works cited or reference page.
(My professor didn’t give a specific amount of pages or sources please disregard the amount of sources I put!) Also I attached our class notebook but I don\’t think we have to use as our sources but it has great information in them.
Research Paper Rubric: The Intersection of Politics, Culture, and the Digital Age in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Scoring Scale:
1 – Poor
2 – Fair
3 – Good
4 – Very Good
5 – Excellent
Introduction
1 – No clear thesis; lacks context
2 – Weak thesis; limited context
3 – Adequate thesis; some context provided
4 – Strong thesis; good context
5 – Compelling thesis; comprehensive context
Body Paragraphs
1 – Underdeveloped; lacks coherence
2 – Basic development; some coherence
3 – Adequate development; mostly coherent
4 – Well-developed; coherent
5 – Exceptionally developed; highly coherent
Use of Sources
1 – No citations; plagiarism concerns
2 – Few citations; some misuse
3 – Adequate citations; mostly correct use
4 – Good use of citations; properly integrated
5 – Excellent use of diverse, relevant sources
Analysis of Politics
1 – No analysis of political impact
2 – Superficial analysis of political impact
3 – Basic analysis of political impact
4 – Thoughtful analysis of political impact
5 – In-depth, nuanced analysis of political impact
Analysis of Culture
1 – No cultural analysis
2 – Limited cultural analysis
3 – Adequate cultural analysis
4 – Good cultural analysis
5 – Excellent, multifaceted cultural analysis
Digital Age Discussion
1 – No discussion of digital impact
2 – Minimal discussion of digital impact
3 – Basic discussion of digital impact
4 – Good discussion of digital impact
5 – Comprehensive discussion of digital impact
Intersectionality
1 – No discussion of intersectionality
2 – Limited discussion of intersectionality
3 – Adequate discussion of intersectionality
4 – Good analysis of intersectionality
5 – Excellent, nuanced analysis of intersectionality
Conclusion
1 – Missing or irrelevant
2 – Weak restatement; no synthesis
3 – Adequate restatement; some synthesis
4 – Good restatement; clear synthesis
5 – Excellent restatement; insightful synthesis
Multimedia Presentation
1 – No visuals included
2 – 1–2 visuals; poor relevance
3 – 3–4 visuals; some relevance
4 – 5 visuals; mostly relevant
5 – 5 visuals; highly relevant and impactful
Format and Citations
1 – Major formatting errors; no citations
2 – Several formatting errors; inconsistent citations
3 – Minor formatting errors; mostly correct citations
4 – Minimal formatting errors; correct citations
5 – Perfect formatting; flawless citations
Grammar and Mechanics
1 – Numerous errors impeding comprehension
2 – Many errors affecting clarity
3 – Some errors, but comprehensible
4 – Few minor errors
5 – Flawless grammar and mechanics
Overall Argument
1 – No clear argument
2 – Weak or inconsistent argument
3 – Adequate argument with some evidence
4 – Strong argument with good evidence
5 – Compelling, well-supported argument
Paper Format: MLA
Answer
The Intersection of Politics, Culture, and the Digital Age in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
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Introduction
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is concerned with how gender and sexuality are understood in various contexts. WGSS has grown to examine the historical oppression of women and now includes the experiences of people from all genders and sexual identities. The way gender identity is discussed today is influenced by politics, culture, and the digital age. Politics has a strong effect on policies and how society views gender and sexual minorities, being both a force for discrimination and for advocacy. The influence of tradition, religion, and the media continues to impact what is accepted in terms of gender roles and sexuality. At the same time, the digital age has changed how people experience and express their gender. These three domains join together on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, allowing people and groups to question usual norms and build new identities outside of what is traditionally expected. The three domains of politics, culture, and digital technology are related and influence each other. They often intersect on social media such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. On these platforms, individuals and groups can work against dominant norms and create new ways of defining themselves. For example, hashtags like #TransRightsAreHumanRights or #MeToo link personal experiences with demands for public change, revealing how the internet can link our personal lives to social activism. Likewise, content from TikTok that challenges gender roles and heteronormativity bring about new ways to express and see oneself. Politics, culture, and the digital age come together on social media to influence gender roles and challenge the usual ideas about heterosexuality by making people visible, supporting activism, and bringing people together.
Politics as a Driving Force in Gender Identity Discourse
Individuals across the spectrum of gender and sexuality are affected by politics in many ways. These frameworks have a significant impact on how individuals express their identity and interact with others as well as in society overall. These laws express important social values and set boundaries for people who do not identify as typical. An illustration is the Obergefell v. Hodges (341) was a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ people since it made same-sex marriage legal across the nation (Human Rights Campaign). Opposingly, the growing trend of anti-trans laws in the U.S. shows how political systems are still working to uphold heteronormativity and cisnormativity, putting trans and nonbinary individuals at risk. Social media has become a key platform where marginalized groups can unite, fight for their rights, and change the way gender identity is discussed. Hashtag activism is a way for many people to participate in activism without needing to overcome specific barriers. They help bring attention to issues like sexual violence, discrimination against trans people, and neglect by institutions, while also encouraging people to stand together online. Jackson, Bailey, and Welles state that online activism helps marginalized gender groups unite, grieve, and organize for positive change (397).
Figure 1Politics and Gender
This cartoon points out that while people claim gender equality, reality shows a different picture. Although the man states that “girls and boys are equal,” the textbook clearly demonstrates gender stereotypes by showing a woman cooking and a man with a briefcase, dividing gender roles. It is clear from the image that systemic sexism exists in educational materials, even though there are promises to promote equality. It stresses that achieving gender equality means going beyond words and also transforming the imagery present in schools and other important areas.
Since viral campaigns easily share information and involve many participants, they can encourage lawmakers and institutions to respond quickly, making it hard to distinguish digital activism from formal policy advocacy. Social media has made it possible for more people to take part in political conversations than ever before. Groups that have faced discrimination in politics are now given opportunities to share their opinions and challenge the standard narrative. This openness goes against the strict controls in traditional media and government, allowing for a fuller and fairer discussion about rights, representation, and equity. Also, it points out how these other identities such as race, class, ability, and nationality overlap with gender identity. An example is when queer Indigenous activists and Afro-Latinx trans leaders highlight the importance of tackling different types of oppression together. Hierarchy of oppression, as noted by bell hooks, does not exist, and this is something political discourse on social media clearly demonstrates by promoting intersectional advocacy.
In addition, digital politics can lead to resistance and surveillance. Authorities and big companies often depend on technology to block activist content based on broad community standards. However, activists find ways to adjust by using coded language, exploring different platforms, and supporting each other across various forums. This means that politics in modern times is shaped by and shapes the fight for gender justice. People creating content, involved in politics, and working with grassroots groups use the internet to fight for systemic changes and support groups that often go overlooked.
Culture as a Dynamic Backdrop for Gender Identity
Gender identities are shaped, discussed, and challenged by the context of culture. Society’s views on masculinity and femininity have been shaped by cultural practices, religious teachings, family models, the way we communicate, and popular media. Such cultural codes play a big role in teaching children what is expected of them in terms of gender, from their daily habits to future careers. Many communities still prioritize cisgender and heterosexual roles over any other identity. Because of this rigidity, personal expression is limited, and transgender, nonbinary, and queer individuals are often left out. These deeply-held beliefs are handed down from generation to generation, which makes it hard to change a culture. Social media both shows us what society believes and allows us to challenge those ideas. Some social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, tend to reflect the gender norms set by fashion, entertainment, and advertising companies. Such influences among influencers can result in narrowly defined ideas about masculinity and femininity. In addition, these platforms are being used more to break down traditional gender roles. TikTok has helped nonbinary, agender, and gender-fluid creators spread their message and challenge the ideas of gender as a strict binary.
Figure 2 Culture on Gender Identity
This meme points out what some people see as a double standard in debates on beauty, especially among feminists and progressives. It draws attention to how the person is upset about unrealistic beauty demands for women but keeps posting images of fit, attractive men. It shows that women can criticize objectification of women, but they might also contribute to the objectification of men. The meme may be meant to make people laugh, but it overlooks the true nature of gender relations and the big picture around female objectification. Regardless, it starts a conversation about how gender roles are critiqued.
Such performances encourage people to reflect on the norms they have grown up with. Marwick and Boyd state that social media gives people the ability to share only some aspects of themselves and even to oppose the mainstream culture with their identity choices (1057). Globalization and digital exchanges worldwide make cultural negotiation more intense. Using Twitter, Tumblr, and Reddit, users interact with feminist, queer, and gender-diverse views from various parts of the world, helping them to form new opinions or question the beliefs they hold. A woman in Saudi Arabia might come across perspectives from the United States or Africa that push for feminist causes, which may change her views on these topics. Exposing Western audiences to Two-Spirit Indigenous traditions or Afro-Caribbean gender systems could make them question the traditional binary view. This exchange of information between cultures creates a digital society where the lines between what’s local and what’s global are no longer clear. This also shows that gender identity can shift and change over time, influenced by different social and cultural factors.
Moreover, sharing cultural resistance online can go beyond active activism. it may be gentle, beautiful, and express personal feelings. Many use memes, makeup tutorials, traditional costumes, and digital stories to express and challenge traditions. In some cases, queer artists using native dress or religious objects in their works are reclaiming elements that were once used against them. These actions of reclaiming culture and protesting, when shared on social media, help create a broader and fairer picture of gender identity that recognizes both past wrongs and future possibilities. Overall, culture is not a static platform; it is constantly changing and shaped by the way people perform, police, and create gender identities. On social media, people around the world come together to explore and shape cultural practices, sometimes staying within traditions and other times breaking them. The combination of old traditions and new ideas helps individuals to find unique ways to express their gender.
The Digital Age and the Expansion of Gender Identity
Expressing and validating gender identities has become very different due to the rise of digital technology. People can try out new gender identities and share their experiences on platforms such as Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, and Tumblr. In digital spaces, users are often free to experiment with their gender roles instead of being bound by rigid norms. According to Laura Portwood-Stacer, these platforms allow users to present themselves in ways that challenge the usual norms about gender and sexuality (97). It leads to a setting where everyone has a chance to participate and contribute. Online platforms often give people a space to express themselves and interact with supportive communities. Hashtags like #NonBinary, #GenderQueer, and #TransTikTok are used for sharing stories, exploring coming-out experiences, and talking about gender-affirming care. When support from schools, hospitals, and families is lacking, these online support groups often help fill the void. Gray et al. explain that online communities can reduce social isolation and encourage resilience by giving people a sense of connection, understanding, and practical tips (287).
Content creators and influencers also work to break down the dominance of heterosexual and cisgender norms. Through videos, memes, and vlogs, creators discuss and challenge common beliefs about masculinity and femininity by using a mix of humor, sarcasm, and learning. Alok Vaid-Menon and Jeffrey Marsh have grown their audiences by talking publicly about gender nonconformity, bullying, and their roles in resistance. Even so, there are some boundaries to this advancement. Bias in algorithms and the policies of platforms like Instagram and TikTok have resulted in LGBTQ+ content being blocked as if it were ‘sensitive’ or ‘inappropriate’ (Noble 137). It appears that these technologies simply support and uphold the same old problems they are supposed to overcome.
Figure 3 Digital age on Gender
The image cheekily criticizes the gender roles Disney princesses were supposed to represent. It demonstrates that these characters support negative and outdated views about femininity, beauty, and a woman’s role in society. The stories are filled with witty remarks that reveal the privileged status of each princess and the importance of finding a prince. For example, Ariel is made fun of for losing her voice, whereas Belle is seen putting up with negative treatment from her father. The article points out that being happy and having an identity are not tied to relationships and outer appearance in women. The picture convincingly shows how Disney symbols can play a role in encouraging backward gender norms for young audiences. It motivates viewers to consider cultural stories and the value of varied, powerful images for girls and women in the media.
Conclusion
In the context of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, social media has become a major force in transforming gender identities and questioning traditional ideas about heterosexuality. Movements and digital activism give power to those who are underrepresented, leading to increased attention on gender issues and policies. Online cultural narratives, either maintained or challenged, help to continually redefine gender roles. Because of new digital platforms, various gender identities are accepted, and inclusive societies have grown that support those identities. The combination of these forces not only reflects shifts in society, but also helps cause them. The growth of digital platforms brings about more resistance and change, allowing people to challenge traditional gender and sexuality beliefs and form new ones. This shift has real and tangible effects. Online advocacy and open discussions are now affecting policy reviews, school systems, and corporate guidelines. Social media helps people who were previously ignored and gives them ways to organize, unite, and tell their own stories. The online world has helped many nonbinary individuals share their stories and inspired movements for change. As a result, they emphasize that identity is not just about being a man or a woman, but is constantly affected by different factors.
Works Cited
Fein, Marisa S. “An Inequitable Means to an Equitable End: Why Current Legal Processes Available to Non-Biological, LGBTQ+ Parents Fail to Live Up to Obergefell v. Hodges.” Drexel L. Rev. 14 (2022): 165.
Gray, Kishonna L. “Gaming out online: Black lesbian identity development and community building in Xbox Live.” Journal of lesbian studies 22.3 (2018): 282-296.
Portwood-Stacer, Laura. “Anti-consumption as tactical resistance: Anarchists, subculture, and activist strategy.” Journal of Consumer Culture 12.1 (2012): 87-105.
Myles, David, Stefanie Duguay, and Lucia Flores Echaiz. “Mapping the social implications of platform algorithms for LGBTQ+ communities.” Journal of Digital Social Research 5.4 (2023): 1-30.
Marwick, Alice E., and Danah Boyd. “Networked privacy: How teenagers negotiate context in social media.” New media & society 16.7 (2014): 1051-1067.
Feldman, Stephen M. “(Same) Sex, Lies, and Democracy: Tradition, Religion, and Substantive Due Process (with an Emphasis on Obergefell v. Hodges).” Wm. & Mary Bill Rts. J. 24 (2015): 341.
Appendix
- A cartoon about how gender plays a role in politics
- A meme about how culture affects gender
- A post about the digital era has affected the expansion of gender identity.
