Date of Award
Spring 5-18-2024
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Advisor(s)
Dr. Olena Nikolayenko
Second Advisor
Kate Wilson, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study extends political humor effects research as a means of engaging in political discourse. The current body of research into the influence of social media on political attitudes largely focuses on adults with extreme ideations and organized groups on the internet. This study seeks to better understand young people as newcomers to political discourse. It focuses on how the behavior of women in positions of power is critiqued and analyzed by the youngest voting and pre-voting cohort through analyzing the content produced by young Britons during the Elizabeth Truss administration. Data was gathered using hashtags on TikTok videos posted from September 1st to October 30th, 2022. The analysis used a close reading technique, rhetorical and connotative analysis, tracking patterns and variations. Findings yielded a strong demonstration of political criticism without explicit party allegiance, and how young Britons use different types of satire to enforce gendered norms on women political leaders.
Recommended Citation
Rapp, Alexandra, "It’s Giving Tory:” Youth Satirization of Elizabeth Truss on TikTok as Political Commentary" (2024). Senior Theses. 147.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/international_senior/147
