Name/TitleMask: Fourth Wave
About this objectWhite papier mache cat mask with elastic cord worn by Fourth Wave, an anti-capitalist, intersectional feminist activist group based in London.
Date Madec.2015-17
Period2010s
Place MadeEngland, London
Medium and MaterialsOrganic, paper
Inorganic, metal and elastic
MeasurementsH: 160 x W: 190 x D: 70 mm
Subject and Association Keywordsfeminism, fourth wave
Subject and Association KeywordsPolitical activism
Subject and Association Descriptionhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth-wave_feminism:
Fourth-wave feminism is a feminist movement that began around 2012 and is characterized by a focus on the empowerment of women, the use of internet tools, and intersectionality. The fourth wave seeks greater gender equality by focusing on gendered norms and the marginalization of women in society.
Fourth-wave feminism became a movement for women to share their stories online about sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual violence, the objectification of women, and sexism in the workplace. Social media gave women the possibility to talk freely about topics on their own time and on their terms. As women all over the world began telling stories, they realized the magnitude of the problem and how it was happening everywhere. Internet activism is a key feature of the fourth wave.
The fourth wave emphasizes intersectionality and interlocking systems of power, and how these contribute to the social stratification of traditionally marginalized groups, such as people of color and trans people. Fourth-wave feminists advocate (like earlier feminists) for greater representation of these groups in politics and business, and argue that society would be more equitable if policies and practices incorporated the perspectives of all people.
Fourth-wave feminism argues for equal pay for equal work and that the equal opportunities sought for girls and women should extend also to boys and men in order to overcome gender norms (for example, by expressing emotions and feelings freely, expressing themselves physically as they wish, and being engaged parents to their children). The utilization of print, news, and social media platforms to collaborate, mobilize, and speak out against sexual assault, sexual objectification, sexual harassment, and other forms of gender-based violence is prominent.
Named CollectionGlasgow Women's Library
Object TypeCostume
Object numberGWL-2017-85-4-1
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved