Pre-Conference: A historical perspective on feminism in contexts of change and crisis: a dialogue between activists and academics

Session Submission Type: Meeting

Abstract

Gender and Feminist Studies Section Pre-Conference
Marking the celebration of 50 years of LASA this year, we are preparing this year’s pre-conference in New York in order for it to be an exploratory dialogue regarding feminist possibilities and solutions to current global problems. In the actual neoliberal, globalized capitalist setting, Latin America is going through profound changes. It is a region characterized by great inequalities, where the majority is punished daily by the cruel effects of the cutthroat economy, and where there is great institutionalized violence and a growing religious conservativism that seeks to turn back advances made by the feminist movement. At the same time, it is a region that confronts exploitation on the part of mining companies and multinational corporations, which destroy the environment and its communities and abuse water rights, putting in jeopardy the future survival of the many. Due to these conditions, for a great number of people the only alternative is migration, setting out on one of the most dangerous world migration routes.
In this context, what are the difficulties and possibilities of feminism? What have its achievements been for the democratization process? What relations and perspectives exist for linkages with socialist governments? What are its proposals in the face of conservative backlash and the resurgence of religious traditionalism? What do Decolonial, Communitarian, Black, and Indigenous feminisms have to say about these conditions? What are the possibilities for a dialogue between academic/institutionalized feminisms and contra-hegemonic, communitarian or indigenous feminisms in this context? What are the experiences and collective organized actions of migrant groups with regard to their countries of origin and also the communities where they currently reside and struggle daily, as both workers and new immigrants?
Location: Saint John’s University, Manhattan Campus (101 Astor Pl.)

Sub Track

• Special Events / Meetings

Contact People

• Montserrat Sagot, Universidad de Costa Rica

• Hillary C Hiner, Universidad Diego Portales