Wolves, dragons, and ponies… oh my!: fursonas and stigmatization in the “human” world

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Torie E. Lucas (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Gwen Hunnicutt

Abstract: The “furry fandom” is a broad term that generally refers to a subculture in which members have shown a deep invested interest in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic creatures and artwork. A “furry” is referred to as an individual who cultivates a “fursona,” which is a unique character that is personified through an anthropomorphic or zoomorphic creature exhibiting both human and animal characteristics.These “fursonas” are typically exemplified through cartoon avatars and other forms of artwork and costuming. Current research centered on the furry fandom is quite limited and primarily focuses on psychological frameworks regarding identity formation. For the purposes of this study, I utilized a broader understanding of identity cultivation, management, and concealment within a stigmatized subgroup, by incorporating sociological constructs based around identity performance and anthropological conceptions of masking. This study encompasses qualitative responses from ten self-identified “furries.” The information gained from these participants helps to support and substantiate previous research findings, while also broadening the scope of identity formation within a peculiar subgroup.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2017
Keywords
Furries, Furry Fandom, Fursona
Subjects
Human-animal relationships $x Social aspects
Costume $x Social aspects
Anthropomorphism
Identity (Psychology)
Subculture
Fantasy

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