Culture

Exploring the Meaning of the Pussyhat

Authors
  • V. Ann Paulins (Ohio University)
  • Julie L. Hillery (University of New Mexico)
  • Alexandra L. Howell (Meredith College)
  • Nancy L. Malcom (Georgia Southern University)

Abstract

The pussyhat was a widely recognized and enduring symbol for the Women's Marches held on January 21, 2017 in Washington, D.C. and around the world. In this qualitative study, 187 women who marched were surveyed. Their voices described their hats, portrayed the ways they obtained their hats, and explained the meanings the hats, and illustrated how the act of wearing the hats empowered and unified them. The applicability of symbolic interaction theory was confirmed through identification of in vivo codes and resulting emergent themes that document and describe the shared symbolic meanings associated with the pussyhats.

How to Cite:

Paulins, V. A., Hillery, J. L., Howell, A. L. & Malcom, N. L., (2017) “Exploring the Meaning of the Pussyhat”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 74(1).

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Published on
01 Jan 2017
Peer Reviewed