Description:
This book investigates the growing politicization of Mumsnet and its use by politicians to influence middle-class women in the UK. The site's discussion topics go far beyond traditional 'mothering' subjects and encompass politics, feminism and current affairs. Understood as a safe space for gender-critical voices, the site has spawned real-life activism and continues to be both praised and attacked for its support of free speech on controversial subjects.
Sarah Pedersen investigates how Mumsnet has become a central part of a resurgent women's rights movement in the UK. She argues that its openness to discussion around this subject has allowed the site to function as a subaltern counter-public - a space where gender-critical feminists have been able to share information and make plans for action and agitation.Review Quotes: 'This book dispels two myths about mumsnet: that it is heaving with entitled, middle-class yummy mummies, or drowning in hate and bigotry. What Sarah Pedersen illustrates is that mumsnet is today a key route into feminism for both women stuck at home with toddlers, and those who understand that women do have some shared experiences -and not just having children or not. This book is informative, amusing and a call to feminist action.'--Julie Bindel