Why girls? Why now?

Meredith Nash*, Imelda Whelehan

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    In this book, leading and emerging scholars consider the mixed critical responses to Lena Dunhams TV series Girls and reflect on its significance to contemporary debates about postfeminist popular cultures in a post-recession context. The series features both familiar and innovative depictions of young women and men in contemporary America that invite comparisons with Sex and the City. It aims for a refreshed, authentic expression of postfeminist femininity that eschews the glamour and aspirational fantasies spawned by its predecessor. This volume reviews the contemporary scholarship on Girls, from its representation of post-millennial gender politics to depictions of the messiness and imperfections of sex, embodiment, and social interactions. Topics covered include Dunhams privileged role as author/auteur/actor, sexuality, body consciousness, millennial gender identities, the politics of representation, neoliberalism, and post-recession society. This book provides diverse and provocative critical responses to the show and to wider social and media contexts, and contributes to a new generation of feminist scholarship with a powerful concluding reflection from Rosalind Gill. It will appeal to those interested in feminist theory, identity politics, popular culture, and media.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationReading Lena Dunham's Girls
    Subtitle of host publicationFeminism, postfeminism, authenticity and gendered performance in contemporary television
    PublisherSpringer International Publishing
    Pages1-13
    Number of pages13
    ISBN (Electronic)9783319529714
    ISBN (Print)9783319529707
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 23 Jun 2017

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