Neoliberal feminism and intergenerational relations at work: an analysis of media representations of feminist mentorship in popular culture

Abstract

ABSTRACT Generational conflict is often understood as central to social change, and more so concerning the development of feminism, as expressed through the mapping of feminist history in opposing waves. The opposition between younger and older women is also a common trope in popular culture, often aimed at describing the conflict between different generations of women and their understanding of gender and gender relations. However, since the emergence of the #MeToo phenomenon in 2016, new representations of intergenerational female relationships have emerged, specifically in the workplace. In this context, conflict does not necessarily foreclose dialogue, but is part of a more rounded relationship that encompasses solidarity and growth, taking the shape of feminist mentorship. Through the analysis of three popular shows (The Good Fight, The Bold Type, Hacks), I investigate the emergence of the trope of feminist mentorship in popular culture and argue that, while these texts offer more positive representations of intergenerational feminist relations, they expand neoliberal feminism’s focus on workplace success for female empowerment by making work the preferred site of feminist activism.