Cosplayers: Gender and Identity

Cosplayers: Gender and Identity explores identity practices in cosplay, challenging the correlation between cosplay and cosplayer identity and considering the lived experiences of cosplayers engaging in the fan practice of sartorial performance. It develops an understanding of a complex cultural system of art, engaging with multiple methodologies to make identity, fandom, and critical analysis on the parts of participants and observers alike.

Format: Hardback
Length: 82 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Cosplayers: Gender and Identity delves into the intricate world of cosplay, exploring the diverse practices and experiences of cosplayers themselves. It challenges the conventional notion that cosplay is solely tied to the identity of the cosplayer and instead considers the lived realities of those who engage in the fan practice of sartorial performance.

The book is organized into several chapters that examine the blurring of gender boundaries, the sexualization of fantasy in real-world contexts, and the nostalgic appeal of cosplay. Through these chapters, the author argues that relying solely on observational data to understand cosplay risks perpetuating normative expectations of identity and can lead to misreadings that generalize.

To counteract this, the author employs a multi-methodological approach, engaging with participants and observers alike to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex cultural system of art that is cosplay. The book is accessible and innovative, making it suitable for scholars and students in gender studies, cultural studies, sexuality studies, sociology, and media studies.

By delving into the personal stories and experiences of cosplayers, Cosplayers: Gender and Identity offers a unique perspective on identity formation, fandom, and critical analysis. It sheds light on the ways in which cosplayers negotiate their gender, sexual orientation, and cultural identities through their costumes and performances, and challenges the dominant narratives surrounding cosplay.

Ultimately, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of study, offering insights into the complex interplay between gender, identity, and popular culture. It serves as a reminder that identity is not fixed or predetermined, but is constantly evolving and shaped by the experiences and interactions of individuals within a particular cultural context.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 143 x 230 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367715717