SIGNATURE WORK
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2024

This research delves into the dynamic and complex nature of Chinese online fandoms, particularly through the lens of “quanzi” or circles, challenging the notion that these fandoms merely conform to mainstream culture. It proposes that fandoms can act as a form of resistance against mainstream ideologies, offering alternative narratives and fostering international communication despite regulatory constraints. The study explores the processes of mediation and moderation within these circles, illustrating how fans navigate and sometimes exploit regulatory powers to their advantage. By analyzing the fluid, relational, and multi-faceted nature of fan circles, the research counters traditional views of fandoms as static and institutionalized, highlighting instead their dynamic and participatory nature. It brings to light how fan identities and communities are not just passive entities but are actively engaged in shaping the contours of fandom itself. The contribution of this study lies in its nuanced understanding of “quanzi” within the digital age, enriching theories in local sociology, group theory, and the study of subcultural communities online. It offers a fresh perspective on the sociological understanding of groups, emphasizing the potential of fandoms to challenge mainstream discourses and underscoring the importance of connection, belonging, and resistance within these digital circles.