Consent is not as Simple as Tea: Student Activism against Rape Culture. Issue 1 (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams, Brittany
• Is Part Of: Girlhood studies. Volume 14:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: action project -- book study -- critical literacy -- higher education -- narrative -- young adult literature; Girls -- Periodicals; Girls -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Girls -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Girls -- Education -- Periodicals; Girls -- Sexual behavior -- Periodicals; Girls -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women's studies -- Periodicals; 305.23082
• DOI: 10.3167/ghs.2021.140103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1938-8209

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, I report on an action project undertaken by a group of young women (aged 18 to 20) to foster public discussions about the prevalence of rape culture on their university's campus. Students proposed this action project during a book study of a young adult (YA) novel that focused on rape culture and sexual violence. Discussions during the book study resulted in the women creating a video designed for university orientation events that addressed common misconceptions about issues such as consent, relationship violence, sexual coercion, and victimhood. Using case study and narrative methods, I recount my experience of witnessing unexpected activism in my classroom. Framed within critical literacy research, I consider the outcomes of making space for student activism and I discuss implications for practitioners.