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Online Mothering: The Empowering Nature of a Hashtag Movement Founded on Social Sharing and Stereotype Deconstruction

Author

Listed:
  • Rosa Scardigno

    (Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy)

  • Carmela Sportelli

    (Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy)

  • Paolo Giovanni Cicirelli

    (Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy)

  • Angelica Lops

    (Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesca D’Errico

    (Department of Educational Sciences, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

Online mothering is an arising and multifaceted phenomenon as the online world offers unique opportunities and risks in a particularly challenging period. The overall aim of this work is to investigate the features of the hashtag movement #itcouldbeme, which was born after a terrible news event concerning a newborn’s death, specifically concerning (a) the e-activation levels; (b) the emotional arousal; (c) the potential presence of deconstruction of stereotypes concerning intensive mothering. To investigate positioning, reactions, and emotions, a database of 394 online posts gathered from popular Italian social networks was created, manually codified, and analyzed through the chi-square test. The results enabled us to deepen the associations among these variables, thus revealing the opportunities for empowerment offered by the socio-cultural positioning, different emotional pathways, and adhesion to this online movement. Finally, implications for professionals and public health issues are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosa Scardigno & Carmela Sportelli & Paolo Giovanni Cicirelli & Angelica Lops & Francesca D’Errico, 2024. "Online Mothering: The Empowering Nature of a Hashtag Movement Founded on Social Sharing and Stereotype Deconstruction," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:14:y:2024:i:5:p:67-:d:1393680
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sophia Alice Johnson, 2014. "“Maternal Devices”, Social Media and the Self-Management of Pregnancy, Mothering and Child Health," Societies, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-21, June.
    2. Nelson, Richard R & Wright, Gavin, 1992. "The Rise and Fall of American Technological Leadership: The Postwar Era in Historical Perspective," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 30(4), pages 1931-1964, December.
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