Major
Communication Studies
Second Major
Women’s Studies
Minor(s)
Psychology
Advisor
Kathleen McIntyre
Advisor Department
Women's Studies
Date
5-2022
Keywords
suffrage; feminist podcast; women's history; activism; intersectionality
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.
Abstract
The podcast, “Sex, Suffrage, and Scandalous Women,” tells stories of activists about whom the average listener may not be familiar. General audiences may not know the women’s impact beyond a basic level. Mainstream history lessons often gloss over the complex and nuanced aspects of feminist movement accomplishments and only trace activism in broad strokes. By disseminating this research in a podcast form I can highlight understudied aspects of women’s history in a way that is digestible and easy to understand. The podcast aims to answer questions about the motives of each movement and theme of activism, as well as the significance of their achievements. The podcast focuses primarily on women from the late 19th century and early to mid 20th century, but also includes modern activists that have carried on their legacy. Throughout the five episodes, the background, the goals, and the impact of each activist are considered. Within the first two episodes, I recount feminists from the suffrage movement and the temperance movement. The other three episodes integrate themes relating to race, sports, and reproductive rights. Activists are typically spoken of as these extraordinary heroes, but they can be everyday people trying to make a difference in their community and the world at large. Stories of this nature are crucial because they offer more perspectives and amplification, inspiring individuals that they can be the change they want to see. Activism is something we are all capable of, and in times of recent turmoil, it is crucial to remember that we can all make a difference no matter how big or how small. Overall this project explores how these women mobilized and what is their legacy today.