2006/01/01 by Stacey K. Sowards, Valerie R. Renegar
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Aesthetics #Art #Discourse Analysis in Language Studies #Feminism #Feminist philosophy #Gender studies #Identity (music) #Law #Linguistics #Literature #Philosophy #Political science #Politics #Rhetoric #Rhetoric and Communication Studies #Rhetorical question #Social Media and Politics #Social activism #Social movement #Sociology
paper · doi:10.1080/10646170500487996
openalex publication_date 2006/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Feminist activism has long incorporated the rhetorical strategies of public protest and confrontation. However, feminist thought has also produced forms of activism that both include and move beyond these traditional rhetorical options. This essay explores the rhetorical exigencies of contemporary feminist activism, and then examines examples of rhetorical activism that play an integral part in contemporary feminism, such as creating grassroot models of leadership, using strategic humor, building feminist identity, sharing stories, and challenging stereotypes. This activism contributes not only to our understanding of the rhetoric of contemporary feminism, but also extends the rhetorical theories of social movements and counterpublics to include alternative kinds of activist options.