Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Meaghan Furlano

Furlano’s dissertation examines the anti-feminist backlash shaping today’s social and political climate, with a particular focus on “tradwives,” social media influencers who promote traditional gender roles and reject feminism. “I am a feminist qualitative researcher, and my dissertation explores the anti-feminist backlash we find ourselves living in,” she explains. “I pay special attention to ‘tradwives,’ women social media content creators who promote traditional gender roles, reject feminism, and have, at times, been linked to far-right politics.”

Her connection to sociology began long before graduate school. “I already knew coming into Western as an undergraduate student that I wanted to join the sociology department,” Furlano shares. A high school course introducing sociology, anthropology, and psychology first sparked her interest, while her first-year sociology class confirmed she had found the right path. “Sociology really resonated with me,” she says. “Taking my first-year sociology course with Scott Schaffer validated that intuition.”

Throughout her undergraduate experience, Furlano embraced courses that challenged conventional perspectives and encouraged critical thinking. She credits courses such as “Marriage Markets” with Professor Kate Choi and “Heterosexualities” with Lauren Auger as transformative academic experiences that continue to influence her research today. “It’s so rare that heterosexuality goes under the microscope,” Furlano reflects. “Since taking the course, I’ve continued to read books that de-centre heterosexuality and have found them useful for my dissertation work on ‘tradwives.’”

One of the defining moments in her academic journey came during her third year, when Professor Kaitlynn Mendes encouraged her to consider graduate studies. “That email exchange completely changed the course of my life,” Furlano says. Mendes later invited her to collaborate through Western’s Undergraduate Summer Research Internship program, an experience that helped build her confidence as a researcher. “Without Kaitlynn and the experience I gained conducting research with USRI, I may not have had the confidence to apply to grad school,” she explains. “Having completed USRI twice, I had no nerves about grad school and felt certain I could not only manage but excel at it.”

Beyond the classroom, Furlano has taken advantage of opportunities that expanded both her academic and personal horizons. During her Master’s degree, she attended a summer school program in Trento, Italy, after receiving a scholarship through her department. “It was the most surreal, exciting experience,” she recalls. “Meeting people from all over the world and visiting beautiful Italy, where part of my family is from, was intellectually and personally rewarding.”

Mentorship and community have also played an important role in her experience at Western. Furlano speaks highly of the faculty members who have supported her growth as a researcher, instructor, and colleague. “My supervisor, Kaitlynn Mendes, has been the best mentor I could hope for,” she says. “She is gracious with her time and expertise, and I benefit tremendously from her support.”

In addition to her research, Furlano has contributed to the university community through several leadership and research roles. She manages the GEMS (Gender, Equity, Media, and Society) Research Lab, where she helps foster collaboration and intellectual engagement among students and scholars. She has also worked with CREVAWC, Western’s Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, gaining valuable experience while contributing to impactful research initiatives.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Furlano emphasizes the lasting influence of the Sociology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies programs. “My instructors have given me the intellectual tools I need to conduct my research, contribute to my field, and grow as both a researcher, but also a colleague, instructor, and person,” she says. “I am constantly moved by what I learn through my studies.”

Among her many accomplishments, Furlano is especially proud of receiving a SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship and publishing four journal articles and two book chapters, with another chapter currently on the way. Her story demonstrates how research driven by curiosity and critical inquiry can contribute to important conversations both within academia and beyond.

Celebrate Meaghan Furlano’s inspiring journey with us and stay tuned for more stories highlighting the remarkable students shaping the future through research, leadership, and community at Western University.