Confidence Culture

Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill argue that confidence culture demands women introspect and vigilance in the service of self-improvement, but does not address structural and systemic oppression. They explore alternative articulations of feminism that go beyond the confidence imperative.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

In the realm of the Confidence Culture, Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill make a compelling argument that the imperatives directed at women, such as "love your body" and "believe in yourself," suggest that psychological blocks, rather than entrenched social injustices, hold them back. They delve into the pervasive influence of confidence in contemporary discourse on body image, workplace, relationships, motherhood, and international development. By drawing on Foucault's notion of technologies of self, Orgad and Gill illustrate how the "confidence culture" demands a constant introspection and vigilance from women, aiming to promote self-improvement. While confidence messaging may provide a sense of empowerment, they argue that it fails to address the structural and systemic oppression faced by women, along with other marginalized groups.

Orgad and Gill challenge the remaking of feminism within the confines of the confidence culture, which they perceive as individualistic and neoliberal. They advocate for alternative articulations of feminism that go beyond the confidence imperative. They suggest that feminism should be reconceived as a collective struggle for social and economic equality, recognizing the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression. By challenging the notion that women are solely responsible for their conditions, Orgad and Gill aim to foster a more inclusive and intersectional approach to feminism that recognizes the systemic barriers and challenges faced by marginalized groups.

In conclusion, the work of Orgad and Gill in the Confidence Culture sheds light on the detrimental effects of the emphasis on confidence on women's well-being. They argue that while confidence messaging may provide a temporary sense of empowerment, it fails to address the deeper structural issues that perpetuate inequality and oppression. By advocating for alternative articulations of feminism that prioritize collective struggle and intersectionality, Orgad and Gill contribute to a more comprehensive and effective movement for gender equality.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478017608