Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
5-2013
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Sociology
Committee Chair
Aldikacti Marshall, Gul M.
Author's Keywords
Fanfiction; Slash fandom; Slash fiction; Queer theory; Slash; Reception theory
Subject
Homosexuality and literature; Fans (Persons)
Abstract
The slash fandom is comprised of a group of people who enjoy reading/writing/watching homoerotic interactions between popular heterosexual media characters. Past studies have determined that the fandom is made up of mainly white, heterosexual women. Some theories posited as to why slash is created by the fandom are that it is a remedy to the canon material lacking female role models, a form of empowerment by manipulating egalitarian M/M relationships, an expression of physical and/or mental desire, and a form of social activism. This study surveyed members of slash communities on Facebook in order to collect basic demographic information on this population and to ascertain why these people enjoy slash. Many of the results of this survey agreed with past findings, though the results did indicate that there is some diversity in sexuality and gender identification, and other new demographic data was contributed to the field.
Recommended Citation
Bruner, Janidean 1987-, "I "like" slash : the demographics of Facebook slash communities." (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 170.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/170
