Introduction

This dissertation examines the profound impact of Taylor Swift on the construction of Chinese youth’s identity through her music within the context of contemporary globalization. Swift’s influence is demonstrated through her popular feminism and support for the queer community, empowering young women and marginalized groups by providing them with a cultural space to assert themselves in a rapidly modernizing society. This study views Swift’s Chinese fans as embodiments of symbolic defiance against established societal conventions and argues that Swift successfully captivates her audience through an emotional mechanism, leading to widespread admiration and active engagement despite cultural differences. The findings suggest that Swift’s popularity among Chinese youth not only reflects her musical talent but also resonates with their aspirations and challenges.

If interested, you may read Katherine’s Dissertation here.

Experience at MALCS

My year in MALCS was the pinnacle of my life, where I encountered extraordinary professors, met lifelong friends, and unearthed the best version of myself. I spent nights awake under the stars, savoring the salty air, and wandering through the endless realms of literature and film, searching for what could be, and what could never be. Every moment was a discovery, a quiet reverie, weaving together the threads of possibility and impossibility in a world both familiar and strange. MALCS left an indelible mark on me, like a deep imprint on my soul, shaping the way I see the world and the way I see myself, forever changing me in ways both subtle and profound.