Femocracy

In this episode, we discuss the concept of motherhood, and its links to the resurgent ‘trad wife’ aesthetic. We begin by investigating (and critiquing) bio-essentialism and the idea that women are naturally more suited to domestic duties, before exploring an alternative historical explanation of how they ended up in this role. We draw upon the role of religion and the ideas of Silvia Federici and Betty Friedan, both key Feminist thinkers in this field. We then explore the political motivations (and contradictions) behind women re-adopting the traditional, or 'trad' wife lifestyle, as seen in the case of influencers like Hannah Neeleman and Nara Smith, as well as the role of social media in reinforcing their popularity, but also enforcing a romanticised and unrealistic representation of motherhood. 

In this episode, we discuss the concept of individualism and why, as a society, we have become so focused on ourselves.

We begin by touching on the historical and political developments that led to this state of being, before exploring our behaviour as explained by the ‘rational actor theory’. As part of this, we highlight the phenomena of conspicuous consumerism as well as the problem with the decline of 'third spaces' in society. We also discuss (and critique) the role of individualism in the self care industry and the way we view our psychological states, focusing on pop-psychology and the privatisation of mental healthcare from communities. Finally, we talk about both the positive and negative role of individualism in identity politics, particularly within feminist schools of thought.

In this episode, we begin by introducing the environmentalism movement- briefly covering its history and its expression in society. We then discuss some ecological reasons why it is important to protect the planet before unpacking why humans take advantage of the planet, and feel they have authority over natural resources. We then cover methods of conservation, and the association of indigenous peoples not only with these methods, but also the environment in general. As part of this, we discuss the integral role of the legal system. We also dive into the topic of eco-feminism and the role that gender can play in environmental discourse, before finally unpacking the reasons why some people are more engaged and involved with environmental movements than others, and what we believe the future will hold.

In this episode, we are joined by Tess Walsh, a fellow student at the University of Edinburgh who is involved in all things film! From producing and directing her own documentary to setting up an Edinburgh student's film

In this episode, we discuss 'True Crime'. It takes the form of a debate, as we both have different perspectives on the topic! We talk about whether true crime can ever be ethical, and who it really helps/ serves. We cover the role of true crime in helping to solve unsolved cases and increasing our own individual safety, but also how it can be exploitative and often fails to accurately depict reality. As part of this, we explore the relevance of true crime for women, and broader notions of legal and social justice, as well as touching on other popular debates surrounding the genre!

To kick off season two (no pun intended!), this episode is all about sport! We discuss how sport has become a form of religion for social groups in society, as well as investigating the role it has played in nationalism and patriotism within a country. We then talk about the contributions of sport to political movements before covering the wider sociological issue of sexism and the undermining of women's sport. Finally, we extend this analysis to the barriers that transgender people face in the sporting world, as well touching on the links between sport and community.

In this episode, we discuss bell hooks, a prominent Black feminist activist and scholar.

We explore her associations with spirituality and religion, poetry, and intersectionality, as well as discussing her work around masculinity and popular culture (with reference to some particular icons!). We also talk about her views on love, taken from her book 'All About Love' published in 1999 that explores some interesting and thought provoking perspectives on love and relationships.

In honour of the general election, in this episode we discuss Rishi Sunak's biggest fails. From his economic pledges, to his failure to reduce NHS waiting times, to his response to the conflict in Gaza, we take a deep dive into all the ways that Rishi Sunak has infuriated the general public. We explain some of the not-so-successful policies of the Tory government under his leadership (including the infamous Rwanda scheme) as well as highlighting the multiple ways he is completely out of touch with the ordinary person but tries (and fails!) to hide it.

Links to help/ donate to Palestine:

Oxfam petition: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-oxfam/gaza-israel-crisis-sign-petition-call-for-ceasefire-now/

Palestine Children's Relief Fund: https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general

UNICEF Gaza Appeal: https://www.unicef.org.uk/donate/children-in-gaza-crisis-appeal/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwg8qzBhAoEiwAWagLrJbFceThQT1YjQ5BvPQmjh7JczuPyrjePUfezMjfCyf5hHzhjO122BoCMaUQAvD_BwE

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the witch trials that occurred throughout Europe and New England. To start with, we discuss the role of legal developments and religion in popularising the phenomenon. Then, we talk about techniques used to catch 'witches', introducing The Witchfinder General, before highlighting the role of prejudices such as ageism and ableism that impacted who was accused of witchcraft. Finally, we delve into the events of the infamous Salem Witch Trials before discussing the enduring legacy of witch trials within both the legal system and popular culture.

NOTE: This episode was filmed in April but released in June due to technical difficulties.

Inspired by Angela Davis' book 'Are Prisons Obsolete?' in this episode we discuss whether it is feasible to abolish prisons, and whether we should! We begin by highlighting key issues with the current prison system, including its historical links to slavery and issues of racism, sexism and classism. We then explore how the prison system is maintained by the school to prison pipeline and the prison industrial complex. Finally, we discuss what the the alternatives to prison would be, and whether or not they are plausible in society.