Shujie Feng

Shujie Feng’s research theorises the “cruel hope” of digital feminism in platform societies, extending Lauren Berlant’s cruel optimism. It examines how feminist participation is systematically framed as deviant, a framing that then necessitates continuous affective and emotional labour from activists to sustain visibility and legitimacy. This labour is exploited by platforms which, while ostensibly fostering solidarity, structurally constrain, commodify and discipline feminist aspirations. Her research interests include digital feminism, gender and sexuality studies—specifically femininity/masculinity and intersectionality(e.g., race, age, social class/stratification)—examined through interdisciplinary lenses such as cultural studies, political economy of communication, and media technology. She also studies diaspora and migration from a feminist perspective. Go to the Curriculum vitae