Voices overlooked: a study of emotional reactions to misrecognition and epistemic injustices in #MeToo testimonies from Sweden and the United States.

Abstract

This thesis explores the emotional responses to experiences of misrecognition and epistemic injustice as expressed in #MeToo testimonies. Through a comparative analysis of testimonies from Sweden and the United States, the study investigates two questions: (1) What emotions can be identified within testimonies of sexual assault that demonstrate denial of social recognition and experiences of epistemic injustices? (2) Are there any observable differences or similarities in the expressions of emotions resulting from denial of social recognition and experiences of epistemic injustice expressed by survivors in #MeToo testimonies from Sweden and the U.S., and what do they teach us about each country’s emotional regime? Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Honneth’s (1995) theory of recognition and Fricker’s (2007) concept of epistemic injustice, the study employs an abductive approach and narrative analysis to interpret survivor testimonies. The findings identify a range of emotions: anger, frustration, fear, shame, empathy, disappointment, courage, relief, sadness, pride, and disgust. Thus, #MeToo is not only a platform for disclosure but also for a collective protest that can enable more positive and empowering emotions, even in the face of misrecognition and epistemic injustice. Swedish narratives display a broader emotional spectrum—including emotions of relief, sadness, pride and disgust, that were absent in U.S. testimonies—suggesting a more supportive cultural climate for emotional articulation. While both Swedish and U.S. testimonies reflect shared emotions, such as anger and shame etc., they differ in narrative emphasis, Swedish testimonies often express emotions linked to not being heard, indicating relational misrecognition, whereas U.S. testimonies highlight not being believed, reflecting deeper epistemic injustices. These findings underscore how emotional regimes, including national, cultural and institutional contexts, shape the emotional reactions to social disdain.