There’s No Shaming This Slut: Frame Resonance in the Transnational SlutWalk Movement

• In Event: 277 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 03. Framing 1

Abstract

The SlutWalk Movement, which began in Toronto, Canada, in 2011, started as a one-day protest and burgeoned into a transnational social movement within months. Since its inception, the movement has aimed to end sexual violence by drawing awareness to rape culture and victim blaming, which render sexual assault survivors responsible for their attacks. This article argues that SlutWalk expanded rapidly due to its use of resonant social movement frames and social media outlets. A content analysis of signs and slogans from SlutWalk marches, Twitter posts, and activist blogs reveals that SlutWalk has developed a unique "shame-blame" frame that counters “slut shaming” in the mainstream media. This unique frame holds great resonance with young feminists but loses potential members through the use of the term “slut.” Findings also indicate that SlutWalk has strategically adapted its frames to suit the needs of potential recruits and current members. This study contributes to social movement research by illustrating innovative tactics employed by twenty-first century activists. It also explores the relevance and propagation of a contemporary frame that explicitly shames authorities. In addition, SlutWalk’s frames and tactics are significant for scholars of gendered violence, who seek to understand the metamorphosis of the anti-rape movement and its strengths and weaknesses.

Authors

• Kelly Marie Birch, Michigan State University

• Soma Chaudhuri, Michigan State University