Les réseaux sociaux : des alliés face au sexisme? [Social network sites: allies against sexism?]
In K. Faniko & B. Dardenne (Eds.), Psychologie du sexisme. Des stéréotypes du genre au harcèlement sexuel (1st ed., pp. 161–175)
Abstract: When the words “social network sites” and “sexism” are mentioned, our first thoughts often turn to the issue of cyberstalking. Yet social network sites - by offering victims new avenues of emancipation - can also become allies against sexism. This is the theme of this chapter. The first part will remind us that the voices of victims of sexist and sexual violence are still often suppressed. The second part will then present two avenues of emancipation offered by social network sites: self-disclosure and collective action. Self-disclosure is facilitated not only by the anonymity of social network sites, but also by the creation of open and safe spaces where people can express themselves. Collective action, meanwhile, relies on the visibility of social network sites and the strong culture of solidarity and support among victims that prevails there. Finally, the last part of this chapter will conclude with a number of limits to the use of social network sites in the face of sexism, and at the same time demonstrate the importance of the choice of social network site.