Investigating the forms of reproduction of gender inequality on TikTok through a qualitative approach: the case study, the “malessere” phenomenon

This work analyses the aspects of cultural reproduction, gender inequalities and dispositions to act (Bourdieu 1978), in the Neapolitan ‘hybrid’ context between TikTok and ‘everyday’ life, through the study of the forms of representation of the intimate relationships of young Neapolitans on this platform. TikTok is a ‘light’ entertainment platform, where the lightness of the content favours the use of a dominant imagery that is reproduced through forms of symbolic violence and incorporated subordination (Bourdieu 1998). The research is exploratory, applies a mix of qualitative techniques and offers a contribution to understanding how the use of content on the TikTok platform contributes to the reproduction of gender inequalities functional to the dominant symbolic order.