Assata Armstrong-Parham

Does #MeToo Include Me? An Analysis of Cross-Cultural Perceptions of Inclusivity in the Current Feminist Movement

Emmanuela Abraham, Department of Social Work

Assata Armstrong-Parham & Niyala Pritchett, Department of Psychology

Mentor: Ayanna Lynch, PhD, Department of Psychology

ABSTRACT
Historically, feminist movements have been criticized for being predominately led by and focused on issues of middle class, heterosexual, Caucasian women. Few studies have empirically examined perceptions of cultural inclusivity in feminist movements. This cross-sectional study analyzed a subset of 507 online survey responses to measure perceived inclusivity in the current #MeToo cyber-feminist movement among diverse women between 18 and 65 years old. Specifically, statistically significant differences in perceptions of inclusivity between women from different racial, age, and sexual identities were hypothesized. No differences were found between Caucasian vs. Black women or Younger vs. Older women. However, statistically significant differences between Heterosexual women and LGBTQ+ women were found. This study suggest that contrary to public opinion, many women of different cultural backgrounds, do feel included in the #MeToo movement. However, additional analysis is needed to explore participants’ definition of inclusivity and level of participation in the #MeToo cyber-feminist movement.