This study focuses on the fandom fighting to legitimise and de-legitimise a textual interpretation that envisions a potential romantic resolution between a female protagonist and male antagonist. At times, this has required drawing on a wide variety of literature, and this section will address necessary theoretical frameworks and definitions. Most key topics fall within the field of media studies, such as media representation, fans and fan-related issues of identity and hierarchy. There is also many media studies discussing gendered portrayals of women, and romanticised violent/controlling behaviour in popular media texts, though at times this has crossed-over to the field of cultural studies/sociology.
Despite everyone knowing what a fan …show more content…
Identity and fandom are greatly connected: “Whatever we are fans of, we base part of our identity on our appreciation of that fandom” (Booth 2010: 20). In connecting with like-minded fans in online spaces, individuals can join communal fan identities which affirm and support personal norms and beliefs (Williams 2006: 178[Quote in my own words to show I understand his argument, and are thus using it appropriately but lbr his was written much better]). Joining conversation over a text by responding and adding to or contesting understandings works to establish an identity in relation to other fans and the fan object. This is still true even when communication is not direct, with fans constructing an imagined community the see themselves as part of (Sandvoss 2005[Also williams 2015 but cutting this to reduce word count]). Knowing of and having access to others who share interests helps reinforces the legitimacy of these choices and validate …show more content…
Bourdieu’s (1984) writing on cultural capital is useful in understanding how status is attained or maintained. Cultural capital can be in the form of knowledge, access or a personal relationship with the object of fandom (Zubernis and Larsen 2012: 30). Related to this is Thornton’s subcultural capital, which produces status within the specific subculture (1996). Fiske also argues that cultural capital is hardly ever economic in benefit, instead, its rewards are gratification and the “esteem of one’s peers in a community of taste” (1992: 34). As such, capital helps in the formation of hierarchy and power, and can serve as a form of validation, all of which impact identity. Thus, different fan factions which hold different values or contribute to opposing capital can be highly challenging, as in bidding for the top hierarchical position they can threaten to de-legitimise the claim of other factions to the beloved
Despite everyone knowing what a fan …show more content…
Identity and fandom are greatly connected: “Whatever we are fans of, we base part of our identity on our appreciation of that fandom” (Booth 2010: 20). In connecting with like-minded fans in online spaces, individuals can join communal fan identities which affirm and support personal norms and beliefs (Williams 2006: 178[Quote in my own words to show I understand his argument, and are thus using it appropriately but lbr his was written much better]). Joining conversation over a text by responding and adding to or contesting understandings works to establish an identity in relation to other fans and the fan object. This is still true even when communication is not direct, with fans constructing an imagined community the see themselves as part of (Sandvoss 2005[Also williams 2015 but cutting this to reduce word count]). Knowing of and having access to others who share interests helps reinforces the legitimacy of these choices and validate …show more content…
Bourdieu’s (1984) writing on cultural capital is useful in understanding how status is attained or maintained. Cultural capital can be in the form of knowledge, access or a personal relationship with the object of fandom (Zubernis and Larsen 2012: 30). Related to this is Thornton’s subcultural capital, which produces status within the specific subculture (1996). Fiske also argues that cultural capital is hardly ever economic in benefit, instead, its rewards are gratification and the “esteem of one’s peers in a community of taste” (1992: 34). As such, capital helps in the formation of hierarchy and power, and can serve as a form of validation, all of which impact identity. Thus, different fan factions which hold different values or contribute to opposing capital can be highly challenging, as in bidding for the top hierarchical position they can threaten to de-legitimise the claim of other factions to the beloved