This is a collection of material that I understand as evidence of a cultural turn to softness. Much of this material also highlights the commodification of these soft impulses. I understand softness as an orientation toward vulnerability, emotionality, and earnestness. These are qualities that have been feminized and, thus, devalued in Western society. I will be adding to this page as I find more relevant material.
The Cultural Turn to Softness: A Syllabus
http://www.loramathis.com/kipp-harbor-times/
https://andischwartzwrites.com/2017/04/21/what-i-mean-when-i-talk-about-softness/
https://andischwartzwrites.com/2017/06/08/is-softness-a-critical-performance-of-femininity/
https://www.theliftedbrow.com/liftedbrow/ironic-sexism-the-male-gaze-of-hipster-spaces
Andi Schwartz 