Gender Subversion: Considering When Dreams Travel as a Feminist Social Narrative

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Narrative ◽  
Gender Subversion

Protest and Reform: The British Social Narrative by Women, 1827-1867

1988 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Wendy L. Mitchinson ◽  
Joseph Kestner
Keyword(s):  
Social Narrative

Who Will Play Terebi Gēmu When No Japanese Children Remain?

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Whaley
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Fertility Survey ◽  
Japanese Children ◽  
Social Narratives ◽  
Socially Relevant ◽  
Narrative Characters ◽  
Social Narrative ◽  
Unique Relationship

This article examines the Japanese action puzzle game Catherine, arguing that the game presents a social narrative that comments on Japan’s pressing issue of a declining birthrate and aging population. It also theorizes a strategy for player involvement based on “distanced” (self-reflexive and meta) engagement. Through an examination of the narrative, characters, and gameplay, supplemented with national fertility survey data from Japan, the article argues that Catherine subverts classic game tropes and fosters player engagement with a socially relevant diegesis. Simultaneously, the unique meta-gameplay elements utilize what I term “distanced engagement” to encourage the player to critically self-reflect on both the game scenario and their role as a player. In this way, the article considers how the unique relationship between story and distanced engagement allows video games like Catherine to function as impactful and interactive social narratives.

Transforming Conflict Narratives

2021 ◽  
pp. 154134462110451
Author(s):  
Beth Fisher-Yoshida ◽  
Joan C. Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Personal Narratives ◽  
Coordinated Management Of Meaning ◽  
Social Worlds ◽  
Social Narratives ◽  
Personal Stories ◽  
The Social ◽  
Management Of Meaning ◽  
Social Narrative ◽  
Conflict Narratives

Narratives, both personal and social, guide how we live and how we are acculturated into our social worlds. As we make changes in our lives, our personal stories change and, in turn, have the potential to influence the social narratives of which we are a part. Likewise, when there are changes in the culture and social worlds around us, that social narrative changes, thereby affecting our personal narratives. In other words, personal and social narratives are strongly linked and mutually influence each other. We may feel and know these transformations take place and understand the ways in which our lives are affected. However, we often struggle to document these shifts. This article suggests using the practical theory, Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) (Pearce, 2007), for narrative analysis to identify and surface personal and social narrative transformations.

When girls draw the sword: Dansō, cross-dressing and gender subversion in Japanese shōjo manga

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Fanasca
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Society ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Main Character ◽  
Gender Performances ◽  
Cross Dressing ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Shojo Manga ◽  
Gender Subversion

This article focuses on the representation of FtM cross-dresser characters in Japanese shōjo manga and their gender performances. The first cross-dresser heroine in manga is Sapphire, the main character from 1953s Ribon no kishi. Following this first example, similar characters have continued to appear in shōjo manga, obtaining very positive responses from the audience. While they are seen as rebellious characters challenging stereotypical views on gender in the Japanese society, the narratives where they appear do not always fully explore this aspect. The aim of this article is to investigate the role of cross-dresser heroines in manga as a tool to reinforce the sociocultural patriarchal status quo and as a different gender embodiment outside stereotyped femininity. It argues that the possibility for those characters to occupy powerful positions and succeed is related to masculinity, symbolized by the sword, stressing how ultimately their revolutionary potential is weakened and limited.

When brands take a stand: the nature of consumers’ polarized reactions to social narrative videos

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Milfeld ◽  
Daniel J. Flint
Keyword(s):  
Social Issues ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Product Placement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Realism ◽  
Social Message ◽  
Social Narrative ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose A growing number of consumers expect brands to take a stand on social issues. When Gillette launched its video with a social message in 2019, the popular press described it as divisive and controversial. This study aims to examine themes behind the polarized consumer response, aiding brands in the development of social narrative videos. Design/methodology/approach The authors use an existential-phenomenological approach to investigate the meaning behind consumers’ reactions to the Gillette video. Empirical data collection consisted of 24 semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using the hermeneutic method. Findings By viewing the Gillette video through the lens of a story, this research uncovers how marketing stories can lead to different interpretations. Specifically, the roots of polarization lie in perceived realism activation and character activation. Additionally, product placement may activate persuasive intent, interrupting immersion into the story. Practical implications Brand managers should consider the potential for alternative interpretations when using storytelling. By measuring a viewer’s narrative transportation, it is possible to identify different interpretations. From a tactical standpoint, brand managers should be cautious about using celebrity endorsers and prominent product placement in social narrative videos. These cues activate persuasive intent, leading to alternative interpretations. Originality/value While marketing research has tended to focus on storytelling’s positive outcomes, this research considers how stories can result in polarizing outcomes for brands. The concept of social narrative videos is introduced and a framework is presented that outlines facilitators and inhibitors for this type of brand communication.

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