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Abstract
This thesis explores the dynamics of radical feminist discourse within the “AwakenedPhoenixes” group on Douban, examining how Chinese feminists utilize digital platforms to challenge and renegotiate traditional gender roles and societal norms. Employing digital ethnography, the study scrutinizes online interactions and debates, providing insights into how members navigate their identities and form communal bonds in a context marked by stringent censorship and socio-political constraints. Key findings reveal that while these feminists advocate for a revolutionary rejection of patriarchal structures – promoting practices such as anti-marriage, anti-sex, and anti-filial obligations – their discourse paradoxically replicates exclusionary practices and hierarchical dynamics, mirroring the patriarchal norms they aim to dismantle. This thesis not only highlights the empowering aspects of the discourse but also addresses its exclusionary tendencies, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities of feminist activism in digital spaces. The research contributes to broader feminist literature by situating the discourse of radical feminism within the context of contemporary Chinese feminism and examining its impact on the digital activism landscape.