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What does feminist research look like in Geography and in Middle East Studies?
Abstract
In the wider worlds of organizing, activism, and academia, ‘feminist’ has multiple modes and meanings. The word can be amorphous, taking on many, sometimes contradictory meanings, and it can elicit a strong affinity or strong opposition. In this paper, I ask what it means to do feminist work as a geographer who works in rural spaces in Jordan? What methodologies have been successful and what have been some challenges and contradictions? How do different conceptualizations of feminism overlap and differ? I argue that, like in the case of gender and sexuality studies and global LGBTQIA+ movements, we should be careful and honest about the lines (and sometimes lack thereof) between our research and the categories of our personal particular feminisms as we work across different spaces and cultures. This paper reflects on the ways in which I implemented feminist methodologies in order to examine issues of gender, development, and social reproduction. I reflect on how the structures of the academy shape the type of feminist methods that are possible for me. I reflect on the importance and trouble of taking the feminist killjoy—the one who, by necessity, calls attention to problems of sexism and racism—for a ride into different contexts. What does it look like to honestly hold my feminist killjoy in one hand and the feminist praxis of engaging deeply with communities on the other? These two are not by default contradictory, but can face some contention.
Discipline
Geography
Geographic Area
All Middle East
Jordan
Sub Area
Gender/Women's Studies