Beyond the Screen: Women’s Experiences of Sexism and Inclusion in Gaming Spaces

Abstract

This thesis explores how sexism is sustained, negotiated, and resisted in contemporary gaming communities, with a focus on online multiplayer environments and Reddit-based narratives. It raises four central research questions: (1) What historical and cultural factors have contributed to the perception of gaming as a male-dominated space? (2) What are the most common forms of gender-based harassment and discrimination experienced by female gamers? (3) How are gender stereotypes and toxic behaviours reinforced or challenged in communitydriven content and discussions? (4) How do female gamers respond to exclusionary behaviours, and what coping strategies or forms of resistance do they adopt. To address these questions, the study adopts a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data was gathered via an online survey (n=79 valid responses) examining demographics, gaming habits, and experiences of inclusion or harassment. Qualitative data included thematic analysis of Reddit from three subreddits: r/Gaming, r/GirlGamers, and r/GamingCircleJerk. Coding was inductive and informed by feminist theory, incorporating concepts such as affective labour, silencing, and platform affordances. The research findings show that exclusion is both cultural and infrastructural. Female gamers report frequent instances of sexism, objectification, and gatekeeping, which are exacerbated by the dynamics of the platform. Importantly, the internal group tensions illustrate that exclusion is not only external, but also internalised and negotiated within marginalised groups. This study argues that policy responses to online sexism must go beyond individual behavioural sanctions and address the structural inequalities.