Critical insurance studies: Some geographic directions

Abstract

Critical insurance studies recognises insurance as not purely actuarial and calculative. From this recognition, this theoretically informed research pays attention to the reproduction of power in insurantial discourse and practice, and possibilities for equitable change. To extend geographical contributions in this regard, I review critical insurance research and describe three intersecting foci – governmentality, materiality and spatiality. I also contribute new insights in considering insurance as co-constituting fluid and fire space – as flowing and adapting within everyday complexities, and as fiery and constituted through multiple flickering realities. These contestable multiplicities and mobilities may contribute to more equitable configurations beyond the hegemonic.

Bordering Practices in a Sustainability-Profiled Neighbourhood: Studying Inclusion and Exclusion Through Fluid and Fire Space

“…Fire spaces hold objects that are "flickering" in presence, being variously constituted in different locations and in versions that may be discontinuous with other versions. For example, the constitution of insurance and its consequences for everyday life and knowledge has been studied as fire space because it is sometimes characterised by jumps and discontinuities (Booth, 2021). Booth (2021) shows how the co-constitution of index insurance for farmers and development organisations is influenced by insurance as fire space.…”

“…For example, the constitution of insurance and its consequences for everyday life and knowledge has been studied as fire space because it is sometimes characterised by jumps and discontinuities (Booth, 2021). Booth (2021) shows how the co-constitution of index insurance for farmers and development organisations is influenced by insurance as fire space. The contrasting realities of the farmers' traditional knowledge and the agencies' emphasis on adaptation and sustainability create unpredictability and otherness.…”

“…The contrasting realities of the farmers' traditional knowledge and the agencies' emphasis on adaptation and sustainability create unpredictability and otherness. Despite the threats to continuity, the disruptions to farmers' existing traditional knowledge and farming practices were enacted as necessary for integrating them into global agricultural systems (Booth, 2021). Borders change in fire space in an abrupt manner, and in Vallastaden these changes are due to frictions between contradicting needs, regulations, and interests.…”