ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0002-0461-9754

Graduation Semester and Year

2018

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

First Advisor

David Arditi

Abstract

Among the brightly-hued convention (con) halls, people dressed in feathers, foam armor, and spandex pose for pictures with one another as cosplayers. Cosplay is a way for fans to present themselves and their group to the fan community on a con-wide scale. Originally, I planned to investigate how cosplayers navigate their identities as cosplayers and as members of mainstream American society and how do these two identities inform each other. I sought to understand cosplayer’s identities as laborers within their cosplay groups. Using ethnographic research methods, I interviewed eleven participants and conducted participant observations. Cosplay is even more than identity and labor, that it is an exchange of interaction among groups. Through my research, I found that cosplaying is a social, group-oriented activity used as a medium in which to interact with a larger group – the con. On an individual level, cosplay is a hobby that is used as a means of expression and developing skills as well as forming bonds with others. Cosplay groups use their groups as a means to learn cosplaying skills like sewing or crafting props. It is a source of social interaction for all of my participants as well as a way to develop crafting skills and experience. On a larger level, it is a way that people choose to interact with the con; a way to express their love of a fandom.

Keywords

Cosplayer, Cosplay, Otaku, Fandom, Groups

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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