FLaK: Mixing Feminism, Legality and Knowledge

Abstract

This editorial explains the themes of the forthcoming FLaK seminar and how those themes draw on the collective and individual contributions of the articles, interviews and commentaries presented in this issue. At FLaK, we propose to think with others about the kind of 'kitchen table' that FLS might provide into the future. How might feminist legal studies-the approach and the journal-best use its food, equipment, techniques, time, space, mood, energy and commitment? How shall FLS scholars and associates make the most of what we have in a room that can sometimes be confining and confusing, yet also exciting and sustaining? How do others engage with the processes and products of our kitchen table? In considering these issues and more, we propose to draw reflexively on feminist legacies of praxis, internationalism and openness, as we stock up and critically reflect on decolonizing techniques, legal know-how, protest and publishing practices.

Abortion, emotions, and health provision: Explaining health care professionals' willingness to provide abortion care using affect theory

“…Pro-choice groups such as Speaking of I.M.E.L.D.A. (Ireland Making England the Legal Destination for Abortion) and the Abortion Rights Campaign have pointed to the abortion trails as emblematic of Ireland outsourcing abortion to other countries (Enright, 2014; Fletcher, 2015). Liverpool, which had been a destination for women seeking adoption services since the late 19th century (Earner-Byrne, 2003), became a key location for women looking for abortions after the 1967 Abortion Act.…”

On Being Uncomfortable

“…Drawing on a mix of feminist live performance methods and a science and technology studies (STS)-type curiosity for objects of experimentation, we tried out a kitchen table method of hosting a live research conversation with activists, artists and academics over two days (Fletcher 2015).…”

Back at the kitchen table: Reflections on decolonising and internationalising with the Global South socio-legal writing workshops

“…At our kitchen table, we consider how FLS may best use 'its food, equipment, techniques, times, spaces, mood energy and commitment' (Fletcher 2015b, 214) as we reflect on our own participation in academic publishing and the conditions of research production. Here, we take a step back from the One of the key ways of mixing FLaK involves stocking up on decolonising techniques (Fletcher 2015b) and by engaging more with these, we can start to look for answers. A mixture of emotional and financial investments are scattered across our kitchen table and we need to negotiate these whilst tackling our questions.…”