Sachbereichs-/Regionalübung: Feminist Spaces and Politics of the Everyday Life

Übung (Sozialanthropologie)
 

The politics surrounding access to and use of space in everyday life is pivotal in feminist analysis. However, discussions on space and politics have remained confined within disciplinary boundaries, spanning social sciences, humanities, architecture/design or natural science. This course aims to transcend these silos by adopting the analytical framework of transversal politics, as articulated by sociologist Patricia Hill Collins. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of various social categories, including ability, class, gender, race, and sexuality.

By embracing transversal politics, the course’s goal is to cultivate a comprehensive understanding that recognizes the intricate ways in which different systems of power intersect and influence individuals' experiences, social structures, and spatial practices. By merging insights from Anthropology, Geography, Critical Design Studies and Gender Studies, this course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the social dimensions inherent in categories such as body/territory, design, use, and labor.

Drawing on theories from social reproduction theory, feminist political ecology, and affective and queer theory, originating from Anglo-Saxon, Latin-American, and West African epistemologies, the course takes a transversal approach. It will be structured as a seminar, featuring thematic inputs, workshops and interdisciplinary group discussions in each class. Students will engage with a diverse array of interdisciplinary readings, case studies, and multimedia materials to deepen their grasp of key concepts and theories.

Through this format, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of feminist theoretical frameworks and methodologies within Social Anthropology, Design, Geography, and Gender Studies. They will have the opportunity to explore the multifaceted relationship between politics, and gender in space that produces power differences from diverse feminist perspectives and intersectionality. Ultimately, this course provides BA and MA students with a unique platform to critically engage with interdisciplinary perspectives and hone analytical skills crucial for comprehending and addressing complex socio-spatial issues through a feminist lens.