Sociology ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-17-2025

Abstract

Movements today are operating in a hybrid media system, in which activists negotiate the use of traditional and social media. Although most of what we know of the MeToo movement comes from studies of the #MeToo campaign and online organizing, the movement has its foundations in local organizing and in the wake of the viral campaign additional local organizing efforts took place. Using semi-structured interviews with leaders of a local MeToo organizing group and Facebook posts from this local group and a large, international MeToo Facebook group, this study explores the role of local organizing coming out of an international, online movement, including how movement organizers use social media. Findings demonstrate that the local and international groups use social media in distinctive ways that reflect the differences in their goals in relation to the MeToo movement. Local organizers use social media as a communication tool, curating content that is action oriented. Social media also extends community building for local organizations. Although the predominantly, White-led group intended to be intersectional, there was tension between intentions and practice.

Degree Name

Sociology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Sociology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lisa Broidy

Second Committee Member

Georgiann Davis

Third Committee Member

Sharon Nepstad

Fourth Committee Member

Deana Rohlinger

Keywords

MeToo, social media, social movements, hybrid media system, local organizing, intersectionality

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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