Pippi's posthuman power

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to probe the ambiguity of posthuman heroism by revisiting the remarkable story of the children's literature icon Pippi Longstocking. The purpose is to explore with Pippi a non-anthropocentric living in the more-than-human world.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s critical posthumanist analysis is empirically based on the American English translation of the Pippi book trilogy from the 1950s, as well as the Swedish TV series produced in 1969.

Findings

Pippi's posthuman power serves to conceptualize a move beyond the anthropocentric savior complex. The analysis exhibits a power used to defy, mock and resist authority, but always with the purpose of securing agency for Pippi and her community. This power to, rather than power over, becomes a creative force that builds a posthuman community between inorganic matter, human and nonhuman animals.

Originality/value

Instead of showcasing a heroism to save our planet, Pippi animates how to relate differently to the more-than-human world. She is a productive fantasy, an idea materialized – a posthuman figuration – that extends the notion of community, opens up the demos and forcefully challenges anthropocentric normativity.

Citation

Lundström, M. (2021), "Pippi's posthuman power", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 41 No. 3/4, pp. 348-360. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-06-2019-0123