Hi all,
From the discussions at the RGS-IBG, it seemed that there was
definitely confusion about the group's aims as conferred by the
'Women' part of the name, with people feeling their research had to be
about women in some way, in order to be of relevance to the group. I
really like the idea of a name change to Feminism as feel it retains a
political edge but is more inclusive in relation to breadth of
research. I also feel we need to take note re how we can make the aims
of the group clearer as whilst this is related to the name, it goes
beyond it.
Thanks Imogen
> ________________________________________
> From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
> [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rachel Pain
> [[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 07 September 2011 14:46
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Change of name from women to gender
>
> Hello all,
>
> I respect the strength of feeling amongst those who've expressed
> views so far, and its great to hear that the space originally
> formulated by the WGSG has worked for people in the ways they have
> indicated.
>
> I am wondering though is there a third option? how about the
> Feminist Geography Study Group? This might help to avoid any
> suggestion of a lack of political intent and limit to topics of
> study suggested by 'Gender and geography'. While also avoiding the
> suggestion of limit on topics and exclusivity of a Women and
> geography group. Elsbeth has rightly pointed out that there is no
> deliberate exclusion of men, but they are only a handful of members.
> Does this matter? I'm not sure. But what really makes me feel the
> current title has had its day is that Women and Geography doesn't
> indicate a commitment to tackling other axes of discrimination and
> inequality which are now central to feminist geography (even though
> that commitment may be present in the group).
>
> Like others, i think there is even more of a need at present for
> activism in geography around the
> under-representation/under-promotion of women, to challenge
> persistently masculinist working cultures, and vast tracts of the
> discipline that now add a bulletpoint on feminism or gender but
> never engage with it as a whole different way of understanding the
> world. Women may bear the brunt of much of this, but theyre not
> alone. These are all feminist issues.
>
> So my suggestion is that feminist geography more accurately
> describes the dual aims of research and action that this discussion
> has highlighted.
>
> Lots of talk about this at the IBG last week. It's been really
> interesting to read the 12 emails so far, and I wonder about the
> other 150(?) or so members - and how to find out what their views
> are. It can be a bit scary putting your head above the virtual
> parapet on such an emotive and important issue (i am ducking now!).
>
> best wishes
> rachel
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Janet Townsend
> Sent: 31 August 2011 15:18
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Change of name from women to gender
>
> I support Linda and Kath. We have good work yet to do. Janet
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Joanne Sharp
>> Sent: 30 August 2011 5:19 PM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [WGSG] Change of name from women to gender
>>
>> Linda asked me to post her message because she hasn't been able to post
>> directly:
>>
>> Dear All
>> I echo Kath's and others' comments. The initial aims were twofold - research
>> and action to support women and improve their position in the
>> discipline. In a
>> year when it seems that all the plenary speakers at the conference are men
>> we still have a job to do.
>> Best wishes
>> Linda
>> Linda McDowell
>> Oxford University
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Katherine Browne
>> Sent: 30 August 2011 13:42
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: Change of name from women to gender
>>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> I would like to point out that included in this agenda is a name change from
>> Women in Geography Study Group to Gender and Geography Research
>> group. I wondered what others thought of this change and its
>> implications? I
>> also wondered if others would like more of an opportunity to debate and
>> discuss this change? As this crucial decision is being taken tomorrow- I am
>> going to propose a postponement until a proper debate can occur, perhaps in
>> the form of a panel session next year, or a debate on this listserv.
>>
>> My position is that this is a depoliticisation of the group in
>> favour of ‘inclusivity’
>> of a dominant majority (cisgendered men) that form the mainstay of every
>> other research group in the RGS and indeed in the discipline more broadly.
>> WGSG is a group for and about all woman-identifying people and this is
>> necessarily exclusive as we seek to support those who challenge as well as
>> simply exist within the masculinist academy and to support the
>> fantastic work
>> done by and for women.
>>
>> With best wishes,
>>
>> Kath
>>
>> Dr. Kath Browne,
>> Principal Lecturer,
>> School of the Environment & Technology,
>> Cockcroft Building,
>> Lewes Road,
>> Brighton,
>> BN2 4GJ,
>> England.
>> Tel: +44 1273 642377
>> Email: [log in to unmask]
>> Editor ACME: International E-Journal for Critical Geographers
>> http://www.acme-journal.org/volume1.htm
>>
>> The Archive from the Lesbian Lives Conference, Revolting: Bodies,
>> Politics and
>> Genders is now online:
>> http://artsresearch.brighton.ac.uk/research/projects/lgbt-queer-life-
>> research-hub/audio-visual-archive
>>
>> Count Me In Too has now finished but materials are archived
>> here: www.countmeintoo.co.uk
>>
>> Queer Spiritual Spaces (Browne, Munt and Yip co authors), to read more and
>> order at a discount price go
>> to: http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&calctitle=1&pageSubje
>> ct=425&sort=pubdate&forthcoming=1&title_id=9335&edition_id=11696
>>
>> Queer Methods and Methodologies (Browne, Nash co-editors), to read more
>> and order at a discount price go
>> to: http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&calcTitle=1&title_id=98
>> 00&edition_id=12435
>>
>> Geographies of Sexualities (Browne, K, Lim, J. and Brown G. eds) to read
>> more and get your copy go to: http://www.ashgate.com/isbn/9780754678526
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Women and Geography Study Group Discussion List
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nichola Wood
>> Sent: 30 August 2011 13:02
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: WGSG AGM - agenda and minutes
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> Please find below the agenda for tomorrow's WGSG AGM as well as the
>> minutes from last year's AGM.
>>
>> The AGM will be held in the Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Lecture Theatre
>> (Room G34), at 4:50pm (session 4).
>>
>> Kind regards,
>>
>> Nichola
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> RGS-IBG Women and Geography Study Group AGM 31st August 2011
>> 1. Present/ apologies.
>> 2. Minutes from last AGM
>> 3. Reports from:
>> Chair
>> Treasurer
>> Membership
>>
>> 4. Group name change
>> 5. Art commission for 2013
>> 6. Events and fundraising
>> 7. Committee roles/ vacancies
>> 8. Suggestions for WGSG sessions RGS-IBG Edinburgh July 2012
>> 9. AOB
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Women and Geography Study Group
>>
>> Annual Meeting 2010 Minutes
>>
>> Friday 3rd September, Council Room, RGS-IBG
>>
>>
>> 1. Welcome, introductions, apologies
>>
>> Avril Maddrell (Chair) opened the AGM and welcomed those attending (Karin
>> Schwiter, Univeisty of Zurich; Sarah Thompson, University of Exeter;
>> Katherine Brickell, Royal Holloway; Amber Marting, University of Nottingham;
>> Michelle Brooks, University of Reading; Janet Townsend, University of
>> Newcastle; Ruth Healey, University of Chester; Rosie Cox, Birkbeck,
>> Univeristy of London; Kendra Strauss, University of Glasgow; Janet Bowstead
>> London Metropolitan University; Erin Saunders, Middlesex University; Maria
>> Fannin, University of Bristol; Nicola Thomas, University of Exeter; Claire
>> Dwyer, University College, London).
>>
>> Apologies were accepted from Nichola Wood, Fiona Smith and Helen Jarvis.
>>
>>
>> 2. Reports (with opportunities for discussion) from Committee Members
>>
>> Secretary’s Report
>>
>> In 2009 WGSG applied for a grant from the RGS (with matched funding from
>> WGSG) to provide travel bursaries for the forthcoming reading weekend. This
>> was successful and the reading weekend will take place in early September in
>> the Peak District.
>>
>> WGSG activity at the annual conference:
>>
>> WGSG sponsored five sessions at the RGS-IBG 2010 annual conference:
>>
>> Gendered spaces of commoditized caring (WGSG)
>> Geographies of Privilege (SSQRG and WGSG)
>> Doing Geography, Doing Gender (PyGyRG, SSQRG and WGSG)
>> Feminist and Gender Geographies: emerging research and researchers
>> (WGSG)
>> Getting away from it all – Embodied practices and engagements with the
>> ‘natural’ (SCGRG and WGSG)
>>
>> WGSG invited 4 group guests: Mumtaz Lalani, Nicky Bursch, Rebecca Finkel,
>> Bettina Von Hoven
>>
>> Treasurer’s report
>>
>> Annual Statement of accounts 1 January 2009-31 December 2009
>>
>> Account no 1 Women and Geography Study Group (Treasurers Account)
>>
>> Opening Balance (1 Jan 2009) £487.29
>>
>> Income Outgoing
>> Balance
>> RGS/IBG Subvention £250
>> £737.29
>> RGS/IBG Grant £1559
>> £2296.29
>> Membership £53
>> £2349.29
>> Committee meeting costs £26.20
>> £2323.09
>>
>> WGSG dissertation prizes £90.00
>> £2233.09
>> Website costs £123.03
>> £2110.06
>>
>>
>> Totals £1862 £239.23
>>
>>
>> Balance 1 January 2010 : £2,110
>>
>> Interim Statement of accounts 1 January 2010- 26 July 2010
>>
>> Account no 1 Women and Geography Study Group (Treasurers Account)
>>
>> Opening Balance (1 Jan 2010): £2,110.06
>>
>>
>>
>> Income Outgoing
>> Balance
>> Membership £65
>> £2171.06
>> Committee meeting costs £210
>> £1961.06
>> Deposit for Reading Weekend £400
>> £1561.06
>> Disseration Prize postage costs £12.97
>> £1548.09
>> WGSG disseration prizes £60.00
>> £1488.09
>> Totals £65 £682.97
>>
>> Balance 26 July 2010 £1,492.09
>>
>> Account no 2: FemGeog Publications (Flexible Savings Account)
>>
>> Opening Balance 1 Jan 2010 £4167.16
>> Balance on 9 July 2010 £4199.01
>>
>>
>>
>> Web-Coordinator’s report
>>
>> Kendra reported that she has redesigned the web-site using a word press
>> site. The ease of use of the word press site means that we can add
>> applications or update the site more easily. Kendra plans to ask WGSG
>> members to give suggestions for content and future developments. The
>> website might also be useful in the dissemination of the survey. Kendra was
>> thanked by Avril for her work on the website.
>>
>> Membership Secretary
>>
>> Ruth reported that there were around 270 members of WGSG spread across
>> three different types of WGSG membership
>> 1. JISC mail
>> 2. RGS-IBG membership
>> 3. Private Membership
>>
>> Over the last year Ruth has been following up members who join through JISC
>> inviting them to be full members of the WGSG, making the links more clearly
>> available on the website. Avril thanked Ruth for her work in maintaining our
>> membership lists.
>>
>>
>> Dissertation Prize Coordinators
>>
>> Helen and Nichola have asked for readers to come forward foe the
>> dissertation prize in 2010. Both Helen and Nichola were thanked for
>> their work
>> coordinating the dissertation prize, and for their support of the WGSG
>> committee. Both Helen and Nichola stand down this year.
>>
>> Erin Sanders and Fiona Smith both offered to help read dissertations.
>>
>> Postgraduate Members
>>
>> There were no reports from PG members. It was noted that WGSG welcomes
>> PG members and encourages them to play an active part in running WGSG
>> activities.
>>
>> Ordinary Members
>> There were no formal reports from Ordinary members. Helen Jarvis has
>> requested to step down from her role as an Ordinary member and she was
>> thanked for her support of the committee over the years. It was noted that
>> WGSG should draw on the pool of ordinary members to support WGSG
>> activities such as reading dissertations and supporting the organisation of
>> events. It was suggested that ordinary members should have a one or two
>> year term and then rotate into a primary committee position or leave the
>> committee.
>>
>>
>> 3. Elections for committee positions
>>
>> Thanks were offered to Claire Dwyer, Nicola Thomas, Helen Holmes, Nichola
>> Wood for their work on the committee over the years. Elections were held for
>> the following committee positions:
>>
>> Nichola Wood was nominated for the position of Secretary by Nicola Thomas
>> and seconded by Avril Maddrell. This was approved.
>>
>> Katherine Brickell, RHUL was nominated for the position of Treasurer by
>> Michelle Brooks and seconded by Claire Dwyer. This was approved.
>>
>> Maria Fannin and Rosie Cox were nominated as Dissertation Coordinators,
>> nominated by Avril Maddrell and Seconded by Ruth Healey and Kendra
>> Strauss. This was approved.
>>
>> Amber Martin was nominated as a Postgraduate Rep by Nicola Thomas and
>> Seconded by Avril Maddrell. This was approved.
>>
>> Nicola Thomas and Erin Sanders were nominated as Ordinary members by
>> Avril Maddrell and seconded by Claire Dwyer. This was approved.
>>
>>
>> 4. Activities for 2010-2011
>>
>> The forthcoming reading week was announced and discussion ensued around
>> the best time to have a reading weekend. It was suggested that lat June or
>> March/February might be best and that co-organizing with another group
>> might be possible. There was an appetite for a reading weekend in 2011 and a
>> discussion of the format and function of the reading weekend (providing a
>> forum for the discussion of ideas, development of book projects, mutual
>> support, relaxation, etc).
>>
>>
>> There will be an Early Career Workshop on December 3rd 2010 hosted at the
>> RGS-IBG organized by Eleanor Jupp, Oxford Brooks. This will address the
>> needs, issues, problems and opportunities related to early career scholars.
>> Ruth Healy and Erin Sanders indicated they would like to support Eleanor.
>>
>> Survey
>>
>> HESA data has been obtained that will enable the statistical analysis
>> undertaken in the 1979 and 1989 survey to be replicated. The longer
>> survey of
>> attitudes and experiences is in development and will be the subject of a
>> session at the WGSG reading weekend. Stephanie Wyse at the RHED was
>> thanked for her support. It is hoped to circulate the survey in the Autumn.
>>
>> Medals
>> Jane Wills was nominated but had not been successful. It was proposed to try
>> again The WSGS will continue to nominate women for prizes and suggestions
>> were solicited.
>>
>>
>> 5. Comments on organisation of the RGS-IBG Annual Conference 2010
>>
>> There were many positive experiences at the conference this year. The
>> crèche had excellent recommendations and the quality of the lunch was
>> considered to be excellent. The compostable badges were welcomes by many
>> alongside the recycling facilities, fair trade drinks and refilling
>> stations for
>> water bottles. The group expressed their appreciation that food was included
>> in the fee and that there was no need to go and find lunch elsewhere.
>> Stephanie Wyse and Catherine Souch were thanked for their support and
>> organisation.
>>
>> On the negative side it was felt that there could have been more volume in
>> the food boxes and the chocolate bars that had been available in previous
>> years were missed. It was felt that Fair Trade Bananas should be sourced. In
>> terms of facilities the Pavilion Exhibition Room was a very noisy space with
>> noise transferring from the lobby. The usual problems of scheduling were
>> noted, however it was appreciated that this was the responsibilities of the
>> research groups to help ensure there were as few clashes as reasonably
>> possible.
>>
>>
>> 6. Planning ahead for RGS-IBG AC2012: Where and When
>>
>> Edinburgh and Bristol were cited as potential cities to host the 2012
>> conference at. There was a request to avoid the start of the School Term. On
>> the whole people felt this was a very good time of year, although means that
>> North American audiences find it hard to attend.
>>
>>
>> 7. RGS-IBG 2011 Indication of sessions that we want to run?
>>
>> There were a number of ideas for sessions for AC 2011 including:
>> Social Reproduction and Crisis; Geographies of Love; Participatory Video;
>> Emerging Geographies / Postgraduate sessions; Gender and the Geographical
>> Imagination; Gender and Peripheries and Margins
>>
>>
>> 8. Any other business
>>
>> Name of the Group
>> Avril floated a suggestion that WGSG should have a debate about the name
>> and function of the study group. In discussion it was felt it would
>> be timely to
>> have a discussion about this, potentially changing the name of the group to
>> the Gender and Geography Research Group. It was acknowledged that such a
>> change needed significant reflection and engagement in the intellectual and
>> political process and that this should be documented. It was felt that 2011
>> might offer a timely moment to reflect on the history of WGSG and document
>> it more formally, and perhaps use the website, email discussion forum and
>> 2011 reading weekend to engage more deeply with the issues that such a
>> change raised.
>>
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>>
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>
Imogen Wallace,
Research Student,
Geography Department,
Queen Mary, University of London
|
