Graduation Date
Spring 2017
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Jennifer Eichstedt
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Mary Virnoche
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Meredith Conover-Williams
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Popular culture, Intersectionality, Representation, Fandom, Race and ethnicity, Gender and sexuality, Ambiguity, Disability, Body image, Diversity, Socialization, Meaning making, Identity formation, Children's cartoons, Steven Universe
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
This research is based on a content analysis of the meaning making in Steven Universe cartoon fandom forum threads, media message board comments, and online reviews posted between November 2013 (the show’s initial air date) and November 2016. My analysis examines the fan negotiations of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class from an intersectional feminist perspective. Unlike other qualitative analyses of cartoons that focus on researcher analysis of media messages, this research focuses on meaning making and identity formation among fans. I found that Steven Universe provides fans with opportunities for meaning making and validation, especially underrepresented populations. Fans negotiate identities and use representations of their own social identities to make meaning in their own lives.
Citation Style
ASA
Recommended Citation
Clark, Heather L., "“My lesbian space rock show”: representations of intersectional identities in Steven Universe" (2017). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 39.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/39
Included in
Gender and Sexuality Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons