Global perspectives on the #MeToo movement: From ‘big noise’ to ‘discrete oblivion’?

Abstract

In October 2017 and early 2018, the #MeToo and #Time’sUp movements generated some remarkable ‘big noise’ inside and outside social networks, as a way to stand up against the abuses by men in several domains for the millions of women who suffered them in their everyday lives, all over the world. It started like a spark, with Hollywood celebrities applauding in an unforgettable night, the 2018 Golden Globes Award ceremony, and it soon spread like a flame that became a worldwide torch. During the IAMCR 2018 and 2019 conferences in Eugene, Oregon, and Madrid, Spain (respectively), I was able to put together respective panels that focused on the effect that the #MeToo and #Time’s Up movements have had in different areas the world. Thanks to the research and valuable contribution of the participants in each of those panels, I am now able to present this special journal issue with articles from fellow academics and experts that will provide a clear panorama of the #MeToo and #Time’s Up movements in regions of the world as different as Spain, Sweden, South Korea, Brazil, France, Russia, Japan and the United States. This is the result of that collaboration, which we hope you will enjoy.