The Role of Feminist Influencers: A Critical Approach to the Study of a New Hybrid Political Actor

In the digital age, the rise of feminist influencers has created a new type of political actor, blending activism and social media. This research project seeks to critically analyze the emergence and influence of feminist influencers in Italy and Spain, focusing on their role within contemporary feminist movements and public discourse on gender issues. These individuals leverage digital platforms to engage in feminist outreach and advocacy, positioning themselves within the broader context of digital activism. Digital platforms have increasingly enabled individual political engagement, allowing unconventional figures to champion collective social causes (Bennett & Segerberg, 2013; Reis & Natansohn, 2019).

A key aspect of this research is to explore the intersection of individual activism and identity politics (Fraser, 1998), examining how feminist influencers promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity. The study will also explore whether these influencers can be considered cultural intermediaries who connect feminist counterpublics with the wider public or represent a distinct phenomenon. Moreover, it will delve into the concept of "pop feminism" (Banet-Weiser, 2018) and its ties to commercial media, addressing how feminist influencers navigate personal branding and the potential depoliticization of feminist engagement (McRobbie, 2009).

The analysis will focus on influencers with at least 10,000 followers, whose celebrity status originated in digital media, and who are primarily known for feminist outreach. Through qualitative research methods, including semistructured interviews and social media content analysis, the study aims to provide a deeper understanding of this form of political engagement. It will assess whether feminist influencers contribute to effective political mobilization and shape public discourse on feminism in meaningful ways.

Ultimately, this research will contribute to the broader discussions surrounding digital activism, the relationship between feminism and capitalist frameworks, and the role of digital platforms in shaping contemporary political engagement.