Research Paper Proposal: Unveiling the Impact: Social Media Influencers Reshaping Gender and Identity

Social media has become a potent tool for influencing public conversation and views in
the modern environment of digital communication. My research will be to examine the various
ways that social media influencers have reshaped and influenced conversations around gender
and identity. Focusing on Jazz Jennings, Patrick Starr, and RuPaul Andre Charles, the study will
specifically look into the narratives and tactics used by social media influencers to shape and
advance the discourse around gender and identity. Within the context of our feminist and gender
studies degree, which aims to comprehend how historical and modern theories interact with
contemporary communication technologies, this subject is still very important. This study aims
to shed light on how Jazz Jennings, Patrick Starr, and RuPaul interact with existing beliefs about
gender and identity by concentrating on the specific behaviors and messages of these influencers.
Some readings that I believe to be beneficial to my research are the classic book “The
Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir offers historical viewpoints on gender and serves as a
context for understanding how social media influencers could question or uphold traditional
gender standards. Another one is Kimberlé Crenshaw’s book “Mapping the Margins:
Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color”. It can help me
analyze how these social media influencers traverse and compromise the many aspects of
identity by using the reading’s investigation of intersectionality. In addition, Anne Koedt’s “The
Myth of the Vaginal Orgasm” reading will give me context for understanding how these
influencers dispute standard concepts of sexuality and identity by viewing the digital
environment as a platform for traditional sexual narratives. My research will make an effort to
offer detailed insights into the shifting nature of gender and identity discourse in modern society
by examining the individual narratives, content strategies, and impact of these social media
influencers. The findings will advance knowledge of how powerful people use social media to
spark change, subvert conventional wisdom, and promote open discussions on gender and
identity.