The Scottish Melting Pot – Social Media, Politics, Scotland and Online Violence Against Women

Abstract

In an increasingly digital Scotland, it is easy to think that generation equal has been achieved. Women make up almost 50% of MSPs at Holyrood, and Scotland has recently had the first woman First Minister. But, increasingly women in public and political life are being put off, turning away, and seeking to leave elected office because of the toll of social media abuse amounting to online violence against women. This paper will explore the concept of online violence against women (OVAW) in the context of women in politics and public life, and against the backdrop of Scottish society. It discusses the challenges, and obstacles of OVAW in Scottish political contexts, not least because of the impact that has been imposed on politically active and prominent women in Scotland. Finally, this paper explores whether the melting pot of misogyny, tempered by a new women-led political class, and facilitated by digital technologies is too much of an ask for women who are already shouldering the expectations and hopes of Scottish society.