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About the project
The South African Fandom Project is an ongoing research project run by Catherine Duncan and based at Wits University. The project itself consists of two parts: a general survey (click below to take the survey) and follow up interviews with fans who would be interested in participating in the project.
The invitation is open to anyone who thinks of themselves as a fan to participate: cosplayers, fanfic writers, con attendees, collectors, fan art creators, bookworms, event organisers, makers, and of course, those of us who just have a love for particular genres, characters, series, games or movies. Old media and new, classics as well as the latest blockbusters: all are welcome and we are eager to hear your opinions and learn about your fandoms.
This research is currently funded thanks to a National Research Foundation Thuthuka Grant. The research design has been reviewed by the Wits ethics board and has been approved.
The project's aims and objectives
Common wisdom holds that 'everybody is a fan of something' but what differentiates the fan from the non-fan is not just the degree of intensity but also the quality of that interest. This can include: emotional conviction; expression through style or creativity; the drive to participate; and the construction and performances of identity based on the pleasures of popular culture.
Taken at face value, South African fandoms appear much the same as those you might find anywhere in the world, however, on investigation they reveal that they are more than a superficial reproduction of an imported media culture. Instead, they are complicated and entangled with the politics of place, context and belonging.
This project explores these complexities through various research methods including surveys, interviews and social media analysis.
Catherine Duncan
The principle investigator, Catherine Duncan (PhD), is a researcher and lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand where she lectures and researches on popular culture, participatory media cultures.
Catherine teaches in the Wits School of Arts where she offers an Honours level course on fan and participatory cultures and supervises postgraduate research into fans. Recent and ongoing work by her postgraduate students includes research into soccer fans, fanfic in the classroom, and South African comic creation.
Once a fan of horror and cult films and television series, she is now mostly a fan of, well, fans!
Take the survey
Questions?
Questions?
To get more information about the project or if you have any questions, contact us on:
Email: sa.fandom.project@gmail.com
Twitter: @SAFandomProject
Instagram: sa.fandom.project
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