Affective temporality: towards a fourth wave

ABSTRACT

This article considers the way in which the wave has been constructed as a negative means by which to understand feminism, making a case for reconceptualising the wave as an ‘affective temporality’. Focusing on both feeling and historically specific forms of activism, the article suggests that the wave should not be considered as divisive, but as a narrative of continuity that allows for particular surges in action and public feeling to be identified. Considering the concept of the ‘contemporary’, the article not only makes a case for feminist timekeeping, but turns to the possibilities of a current fourth-wave moment.

KEYWORDS:

• Fourth wave
• affect
• contemporary
• feminism
• temporality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. The Slut Walk began in Canada in response to a police officer telling university students not to dress like sluts if they wanted to avoid rape. A march was organised, which encouraged women and men to wear whatever they wished – revealing or not – and take to the streets. The march became international within a number of months.

2. Steubenville was a particularly famous rape case, in which two young athletes carried an unconscious girl between parties, sexually assaulting her as their peers and friends filmed and photographed it. Their high school and local community defended the boys, due to their athletic records and places on the football team.