Countering Backlash researcher Tessa Lewin is speaking at Stellenbosch University about the concept of ‘discourse capture’ as a analytical tool to help us understand the nature of contemporary anti-feminist and anti-queer politics.
This is a concept that grew from an observation of the field at a time when public debate on state capture was particularly prevalent. Borrowing from definitions of state capture, Tessa argues that discourse capture is a key backlash mechanism, characterised by its intention, scale, and undercover nature.
Discourse capture occurs where progressive discourse is co-opted and manipulated to serve right-wing agendas. Tessa outlines four forms of discourse capture in practice – re-signifying, shifting, mimicking, and twisting; and, in the context of existing feminist counter backlash strategies, Tessa explores what a counter discourse capture strategy might comprise.
You can find out more about discourse capture by reading her article ‘Nothing is as it seems: ‘discourse capture’ and backlash politics‘.
When
- 18 June 2025
- 13:00 (South Africa time) / 12:00 (UK time)
Where
- Online
Register
- Please email [email protected] to RSVP for this event