Trans/national “Feminist” Social Justice: Engaging with Racism and Sexism

• In Event: "Living a Feminist Life" Within and Outside, Academia: Thinking with Sara Ahmed

Abstract

In this paper, I utilize some of the scaffolds Ahmed presents e.g. feminist/feminism, diversity work and killjoy to engage with such oppressions with/in transnational k-12 educators and settings. I begin by seeking insights into the questions Ahmed poses:  ‘Where is feminism? It is a good question. We can ask ourselves: where did we find feminism or where did feminism find us? I pose this question as a life question …. “  (p.4).  In this paper I seek to understand:  What is feminism within transnational contexts? What does transnational feminism of color look like at grassroots k-12 level? How does transnational contexts, policies, practices shape and manage “feminist” commitments to social justice issues? Additionally, I integrate my own decolonizing understandings and analysis–as a scholar and parent - into these transnational narratives. 

Author

• Sharon Subreenduth, Bowling Green State University