ABSTRACT

This interdisciplinary volume introduces the field of Kardashian Studies through collections of essays based in sociology, media studies, cultural studies, critical race theory and fashion theory.

The Kardashian empire and dynasty is intertwined with some of the most important movements of the early twenty-first century. Celebrity, cultural appropriation, new forms of feminism, social media, ideal bodies, evolving notions of physical beauty and the global fashion system have all been affected by the quintessential influencers in this family of matriarchs. The anthology is structured around core thematic parts. From Storytelling and Race, through Fashion and Celebrity, to Time and Embodiment, each part contains an accessible introduction followed by chapters that together take a unique approach to exploring the Kardashians from multiple viewpoints. The inclusion of discussion points suitable for classroom use enhances the utility of the anthology for both study and teaching purposes.

The first of its kind, Kardashians: A Critical Anthology positions Kardashian Studies at the forefront of critical inquiry around notions of authenticity, contemporary feminisms, visuality and social media. It will be of interest to both scholars and students interested in popular culture, television, notions of authenticity, contemporary feminisms, visuality, race and social media.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

Kuriously Kritical: Kardashians as Cyborg Goddesses – Momagers and Matriarchies

part I|2 pages

Storytelling

chapter 1|8 pages

Family Brands

The Kardashian-Jenners and the Nelsons

chapter 3|6 pages

Selfish

A Happy Archive?

part II|2 pages

Race

chapter 4|9 pages

There is No Sexual Relation

The Kardashians and Black Masculinities

chapter 5|9 pages

Kim Kardashian's “Kimono”

The Complexities of Cultural Appropriation

chapter 6|12 pages

White Multiracial Sentiment

part III|2 pages

Fashion

chapter 7|16 pages

Skims™

Body Positive or Kimspiration?

chapter 8|12 pages

Glitter and the Death Drive

Kim Kardashian's Met Gala Costumes

part IV|2 pages

Embodiment

chapter 10|9 pages

“It's Super Disgusting”

An Analysis of Famous Cis-men's Responses to the Kardashians' Deviant Femininity

chapter 11|10 pages

Where has All the Affect Gone on Kardashian Reality TV?

Negotiating Emotional Labour and Boundaries

part V|2 pages

Celebrity

chapter 12|8 pages

Debunking Celebrity Activism

Kim Kardashian and Prison Advocacy

chapter 13|8 pages

The Role of Transgender Celebrities

The Power of Representation

chapter 14|12 pages

In the Lab with the Kardashians

How Kardashian-linked Research Finds Its Audience

part VI|2 pages

Time

chapter 15|6 pages

The Kardashians Will Never Die

On Repetition and Infinity

chapter 16|12 pages

Use of Artificial Intelligence and Holography

Robert Kardashian Resurrected?

chapter 17|8 pages

Keeping up with the Past, Present and Future

How the Kardashians Sustain Relevance by Manipulating Reality