Interesting article! I never considered this perspective. I considered women’s purchases as more of “a canary in a coal mine” type way, a sort of harbinger of things to come.
I think you’re certainly right about there being a feedback loop. I wonder, though, if a driver isn’t only bottom up influence from “women [who] perform the very scripts they’re expected to perform” but also a top down influence from companies. While I was reading, I was reminded of a scene in The Devil Wears Prada where the main character scoffs at the choices the designers face and receives a dressing down from her boss.
“This… “stuff”? Oh, okay. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back.
However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs.
And it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact…you're wearing a sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room…from a pile of "stuff."”
Absolutely loved this. As a gender studies alumni, this reminded me a little bit of Nancy Fraser's Cannibal Capitalism theory. The same system that profits from our work is the one that keeps opressing us, like a snake that bites its tail 🐍
Loved this article. Not only are we identified as the problem and chided accordingly, we're then looked down upon for not maintaining the aesthetic expected of us, which can also mean lower wages, etc.
Consistently so in awe of your writing. You seem to effortlessly interweave history and critical theory into your own argument. That's talent my friend
There is a direct relationship between the narrative you so excellently analyzed here, and 47’s recent declaration that maybe a “beautiful baby girl” needs only 2 dolls, not 30.
Women’s role within the economy is not often discussed and framing their consumption habits as the symptom of broader societal trends is not only reductive but harmful.
I hope everyone who reads your work realizes its importance and helps keep you and your work sustainable and supported!!! I am looking forward to being able to tip soon :) (even if only a dollar a month) <3
Interesting article! I never considered this perspective. I considered women’s purchases as more of “a canary in a coal mine” type way, a sort of harbinger of things to come.
I think you’re certainly right about there being a feedback loop. I wonder, though, if a driver isn’t only bottom up influence from “women [who] perform the very scripts they’re expected to perform” but also a top down influence from companies. While I was reading, I was reminded of a scene in The Devil Wears Prada where the main character scoffs at the choices the designers face and receives a dressing down from her boss.
“This… “stuff”? Oh, okay. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you're trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back.
However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs.
And it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact…you're wearing a sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room…from a pile of "stuff."”
Absolutely loved this. As a gender studies alumni, this reminded me a little bit of Nancy Fraser's Cannibal Capitalism theory. The same system that profits from our work is the one that keeps opressing us, like a snake that bites its tail 🐍
Loved this article. Not only are we identified as the problem and chided accordingly, we're then looked down upon for not maintaining the aesthetic expected of us, which can also mean lower wages, etc.
Consistently so in awe of your writing. You seem to effortlessly interweave history and critical theory into your own argument. That's talent my friend
This reminds me of what I was reading in the late 80s about men buying lots of new ties because they didn’t want to (or couldn’t) spend on new suits.
"The very systems that deny women equal economic footing turn around and use the effects of that inequality as an indicator of crisis..."
This was especially enlightening. Very aptly put. Ironic how we are both angels and devils at the same time 😭😭
There is a direct relationship between the narrative you so excellently analyzed here, and 47’s recent declaration that maybe a “beautiful baby girl” needs only 2 dolls, not 30.
"The system needs her to consume, just as much as her unpaid labor..." is profound and drives home your point. Loved this post
Thanks so much, I’m really glad you enjoyed!
I love you
spectacular, well researched, informative read. Thank you!!
Extremely well said! I hope this gets more of the attention it deserves
I’m very glad you enjoyed it and thanks so much for your support, it really means a lot!
Women’s role within the economy is not often discussed and framing their consumption habits as the symptom of broader societal trends is not only reductive but harmful.
I hope everyone who reads your work realizes its importance and helps keep you and your work sustainable and supported!!! I am looking forward to being able to tip soon :) (even if only a dollar a month) <3
Thank you so much, that really means a lot! 🥺 And I’ll appreciate your support even if you don’t tip, don’t worry! 🫶🫶
babe wake up, new essay from the digital meadow
This is so funny, thank you!! 😭😭
This was so articulate and enlightening 💖✨
Thank you! 🫶