Rachel E. Davis
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redavisphd.bsky.social
Rachel E. Davis
@redavisphd.bsky.social
470 followers 600 following 300 posts
Assistant Professor of Sociology at Middle Tennessee State University | CITAP Affiliate | Studying transactional sex, social media, & gendered violence | she/her
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redavisphd.bsky.social
Rachel E. Davis @redavisphd.bsky.social · Jun 5
MTSU's research magazine features an article about me and my undergraduate mentee's research on law enforcement perceptions of sex trafficking! issuu.com/mtsumag/docs...
MTSU Research 2025
Middle Tennessee State University's annual magazine for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
issuu.com
redavisphd.bsky.social
My flight got delayed, and then I got to see the northern lights from a plane with six total passengers 🥹💃🏻✨✈️🌌
November 12, 2025 at 6:59 AM
redavisphd.bsky.social
Please sign and share this petition demanding that MTSU affirm its commitment to the right to free expression for all its employees, to not bow to the whims of those in power, and to change disciplinary policy so that no employee will be fired without due process. actionnetwork.org/petitions/de...
Defend Free Speech! Support MTSU Employee Rights! No to Political Capitulation by the Administration!
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actionnetwork.org
November 8, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
mtsusociology.bsky.social
Check out Sociology professor Dr. Rachel Davis in this month's newsletter from the Undergraduate Research Center at MTSU! You can read the rest of the newsletter here: www.canva.com/design/DAG1Z...
FEATURED FACULTY MENTOR DR. RACHEL DAVIS SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY RESEARCH INTERESTS: Gendered violence, sexual labor, and social media. RECENTLY FUNDED URECA PROJECTS: "Law Enforcement Perceptions on Sexual Assault and Sex Trafficking," Platinum, Summer 2024 "The Role and Effectiveness of Sex Education in Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention," Platinum, Summer 2025 WHAT IMPACT HAS THE URC HAD ON YOU? The URC has provided me with research funding, collaboration opportunities, and, most importantly, the opportunity to work closely with students. Watching students develop competence and confidence as they carry out research projects of their own design is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job. As a new faculty member, these opportunities also helped me feel more connected to and supported by the campus community. I am profoundly grateful for the URC! Check out our expanded list of faculty mentor profiles here! MTSU.EDU/URC/MENTORS
November 4, 2025 at 3:37 PM
redavisphd.bsky.social
October Reading Wrap-Up! Started a lot of books this month, didn’t finish a lot. Follow me on Fable:
fable.co/rachel-davis...
Books I read in October (with rating out of 5): Katabasis (4) Will There Ever Be Another You (4) The Emperor of Gladness (no rating) The Monsters We Make (4)
October 31, 2025 at 5:59 PM
redavisphd.bsky.social
This article was very interesting… I have aphantasia, and I realized it a few years ago when people on Twitter were discussing how detailed an apple is when they picture it in their minds. I hadn’t considered how it can also impact your memory and sense of self! www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Some People Can’t See Mental Images. The Consequences Are Profound
Research has linked the ability to visualize to a bewildering variety of human traits—how we experience trauma, hold grudges, and, above all, remember our lives.
www.newyorker.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
mtsusociology.bsky.social
Join MTSS on Tuesday 10/21, where we will host a panel of sociology faculty to discuss various opportunities for students and learn more about the Career Development Center! 📚✍️

🗓️ Tuesday, October 21st
🕰️ 4:30PM - 6PM
📍ACB Room 102
🥤Food and drinks provided!

✨Open to Everyone✨

See you there! 🫵
Text reads: MT STUDENT SOCIOLOGISTS Social Sciences Career Panel A PANEL DISCUSSION FEATURING SOCIOLOGY FACULTY AND A PRESENTATION FROM THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER: TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND TO ASK QUESTIONS! GRADUATE SCHOOL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONNECT WITH PROFESSORS Tuesday, Oct. 21 • 4:30-6PM ACB Room 102 Food and drinks will be provided! @MTSTUSOC Questions? Email Karen Deyarmon at kad6j@mtmail.mtsu.edu
October 16, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
hels.bsky.social
Yeah sure whatever come on in
New message Someone sent you a message from Main Entrance: 'hell delivery'
October 14, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
m.pahuski.com
Happy Columbo’s Day
Screenshot from Columbo. He his talking to his dog, which is sitting is the drivers seat of a car. “Okay, I’m gonna put you in charge. You take care of the car. You’re a responsible dog. When I get back, if the car’s okay, I’ll give you another cookie.” “If the car’s gone,” “I’ll give you another cookie anyway” “because I love you.”
October 13, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
tammi.bsky.social
I found a 19th century Cat Villain!
A huge chonk of a fluffy cat sitting on a table near an open fire. The cat is cream and grey and appears to be shaped like a barrel in a fur coat. They are scowling fiercely with their moustache and bewhiskered ears apparently flowing back into the cold wind. There's a definite vibe that this villainous cat twirls their moustache as they evict orphans into the aforementioned blizzard and think Scrooge was an easy-going lightweight. They are magnificent.
October 12, 2025 at 8:02 PM
redavisphd.bsky.social
I just discovered this website, and I want to share it with the world. It features all the fake movies and TV shows on real movies and TV shows. nestflix.fun
Nestflix
A platform for fictional films and shows within other films and shows.
nestflix.fun
October 12, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
nick-pettigrew.bsky.social
When there's a beetle flying around in the room when you're trying to sleep so you use the light on your phone to find it and your cat appears out of the gloom like a feline phantasm on one of those 1970s haunted photos:
Scary Harley
October 8, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
brendelbored.bsky.social
In some ways this is the government now
r/Lollapalooza 3 yr. ago DaL 028 Join [deleted] I'm excited for Limp Bizkit, but I'm a little worried about Antifa... Question I'm sick and tired of seeing these thugs terrorize big events and am worried that they will try to interrupt Limp Bizkit's set. My gf (F19) and I (M31) are going to our first Lollapalooza and are concerned about the growing threat around the city
October 8, 2025 at 11:42 PM
redavisphd.bsky.social
My department is hiring!
mtsusociology.bsky.social MTSU Sociology @mtsusociology.bsky.social · Oct 7
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position (#129030) in sociology at the rank of assistant or associate professor whose research and teaching focus is health, illness, and healthcare systems.
MTSU Jobs | Middle Tennessee State University
careers.mtsu.edu
October 7, 2025 at 3:40 PM
redavisphd.bsky.social
Structural Functionalist, Conflict Theorist, Symbolic Interactionist #sociology #socsky
ryanbeckwith.bsky.social Ryan Teague Beckwith @ryanbeckwith.bsky.social · Oct 7
Editor in chief, city editor, features editor
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
redavisphd.bsky.social
This must have required overtime for every fact checker at the New Yorker. Sheesh! www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
The Hague on Trial
The chief prosecutor has obtained warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes—but faces allegations of sexual misconduct.
www.newyorker.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
tressiemcphd.bsky.social
I cannot believe what we are subjected to, day after day.
October 7, 2025 at 12:19 AM
redavisphd.bsky.social
Meme of Pam from the office holding two pictures (The Life of Pablo album cover and The Life of a Showgirl cover) saying “corporate needs you to find the differences between this picture and this picture.” Second panel shows her telling the camera “They’re the same picture.”
October 3, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
fishttp.website
all mammals share an instinct to destroy their ancient enemy, the loathsome gourd
oregonzoo.bsky.social Oregon Zoo @oregonzoo.bsky.social · Oct 1
let the gourd times roll
October 2, 2025 at 2:00 AM
redavisphd.bsky.social
My hot take upon first listen is that The Life of a Showgirl is Taylor Swift’s The Life of Pablo. I will not elaborate.
October 3, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
scottmccloud.bsky.social
Written 55 years ago, Schulz's heartfelt clarity cuts through the noise, even today.

h/t @tisserand.bsky.social
Scan of a typed letter from 1970, from Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, addressed to "Joel Lipton, 622 N. Foothill Road, Beverly Hills, Calif. 90210" It reads: "Dear Joel: I think it is more difficult these days to define what makes a good citizen than it has ever been before. Certainly all any of us can do is follow our own conscience and retain faith in our democracy. Sometimes it is the very people who cry out the loudest in favor of getting back to what they call "American Virtues" who lack this faith in our country. I believe that our greatest strength lies always in the protection of our smallest minorities. Sincerely yours, Charles M. Schulz" At bottom is an illustration of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, a kite wrapped around the dog house.
October 2, 2025 at 6:11 PM
redavisphd.bsky.social
“As much as we may wish to separate the art from the artist, many of our most perverse and prolific art monsters won’t let us, because they keep making art about the most monstrous parts of themselves.” An Intimate Chronicle of Kanye West’s Fall from Grace www.newyorker.com/culture/crit...
An Intimate Chronicle of Kanye West’s Fall from Grace
The rapper and producer has become a pariah, running for President and praising Hitler. A new documentary gives insight into what went wrong.
www.newyorker.com
October 2, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
mtsusociology.bsky.social
We're shining the spotlight on research by Sociology Assistant Professor Dr. Rachel Davis, who is reshaping how scholars understand intimacy, social class, and digital life! 🔍

She is developing a book on hypergamy, a form of romantic partnership marked by economic inequality. 💰⚖️
Photo of Dr. Rachel Davis Text reads: Research Spotlight Inside the Mind of a Digital Feminist Dr. Rachel Davis is reshaping how scholars understand intimacy, class, and digital life. From the hills of Tennessee to a secluded island, she is developing a book on hypergamy, a form of romantic partnership marked by economic inequality. Dr. Davis sat down with us to discuss matrix logics, media myths, and the feminist contradictions that shape online sexual labor. Q: What questions or problems are you currently exploring? I am currently writing a book for Bloomsbury Publishing about hypergamy, a strategic intimate partnership between a man of high socioeconomic status and a woman of lower socioeconomic status, on Tumblr and TikTok. Some feminists denounce hypergamy as exploitative, while others celebrate it as empowering. This tension raises the question: How do we define and identify women’s exploitation and empowerment, and how can a phenomenon be labeled as both at once? Q: What methods or theoretical approaches are central to your work? For my book project, I utilized digital ethnographic research methods informed by a combination of intersectionality theory, particularly Vivian May’s concept of matrix logics, and Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of class distinction. As part of my digital ethnography, I combined social media content analyses, in-depth qualitative interviews, and statistical analyses. Overall, I prefer mixed-methods approaches like this. Q: What insights or challenges have shaped your recent projects? Studying social media involves constant challenges, as social media sites change features, algorithms, and data policies daily, often without disclosing them. This requires researchers to constantly change our data-gathering tactics and ethical considerations in response. It can be exhausting sometimes! But it keeps me on my toes. Q: What insights or challenges have shaped your recent projects? Studying social media involves constant challenges, as social media sites change features, algorithms, and data policies daily, often without disclosing them. This requires researchers to constantly change our data-gathering tactics and ethical considerations in response. It can be exhausting sometimes! But it keeps me on my toes. Q: What led you to this area of research? I became interested in the phenomenon of hypergamy in my undergraduate career, when I noticed that several feminists I followed on social media expressed an interest in having a sugar daddy, despite many other feminists denouncing sugar arrangements as exploitative and sexist. Q: How would you describe your research to someone outside of academia? I look at how social media shapes romantic relationships and the economic transactions that take place within them. More specifically, I study the similarities and differences between women who identify as sugar babies, high-value women, and spoiled girlfriends. Q: What themes or arguments does your research address? My research suggests that some women are actively seeking economically unequal (hypergamous) relationships in lieu of egalitarian ones, potentially perpetuating gender inequality while simultaneously claiming feminist politics. On the other hand, hypergamy may be understood as a strategy for class mobility in an otherwise largely closed class system. In this context, hypergamous women have been harmed by legislative and corporate actions like FOSTA that restrict their freedom of speech, sexual autonomy, and sense of community, all in the name of feminism and social justice. By utilizing matrix logics, I hope to push our responses to these issues beyond binary concepts of victimization and exploitation so that we can better understand (and change) contemporary life. Q: How does your research engage with contemporary issues? My research engages with debates about sexual labor and criminal law. After the passage of Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) in 2018, social media platforms purged adult content, disproportionately affecting racial, gender, and sexual minorities. Ironically, this pushed the sex trade further underground, making it harder to identify and assist trafficking victims. My work aims to expose these contradictions and suggest more just policy approaches.
September 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM
redavisphd.bsky.social
September reading wrap-up. 📚 Follow me on fable at
fable.co/rachel-davis...
List of books I read in September along with my rating out of 5. The Compound (4) Sky Daddy (5) Out There (4) If You Don’t Like This I’ll Die (3) Bring the House Down (4) Consider Yourself Kissed (4) Mendell Station (4) Loved One (4)
September 29, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
qjurecic.bsky.social
I have been haunted by this statement all day www.kgw.com/article/news...
Local News Trump seems to back off Portland military plan: 'Am I watching things on television that are different from what's happening?'
September 28, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Reposted by Rachel E. Davis
melissagiragrant.com
Listening to this, it also feels like more evidence of how far some white people will go to defend white innocence, will invent space for themselves outside history. And when someone they say they respect patiently walks them through this, for all their valorization of “listening,” they won’t.
perrybaconjr.bsky.social Perry Bacon @perrybaconjr.bsky.social · Sep 28
This was revealing. Worth reading. The basic demand is that Coates spend less time thinking/writing his true feelings and more time playing political strategist. Klein asks him over and over him to do Dem strategy; he says no, over and over. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/28/o...
Opinion | Ta-Nehisi Coates on Bridging Gaps vs. Drawing Lines
www.nytimes.com
September 28, 2025 at 5:35 PM