On the production of the spirit of feminism

Feminism is a process, not just an identity; it is about doing as much as being. Feminism requires engagement, negotiation, and the ability to adjust as needed. In touch with these emerging ideas in the field, Libby Hemphill recruited Ingrid Erickson, David Ribes, and Ines Mergel to co-facilitate a workshop on social media and feminism at the 2014 CSCW conference. The shared experience and reflection served as a reference point for conversations later in the workshop and at once undercut the notion that a single feminism should prevail. Embracing the power of the unexpected, we now know, means learning to align a value for diversity with an interaction protocol that ensures access for all potential voices. This is about making feminism happen despite, or even because of, the associated difficulties. This orientation of feminism means a commitment to produce all types and sizes of environments that encourage the continuance of difficult, pluralistic conversations; inclusive, diverse arrangements; and participatory, accessible activities. Embracing the power of the unexpected means learning to align a value for diversity with an interaction protocol that ensures access for all potential voices. This is about making feminism happen despite, or even because of, the associated difficulties.