For a revival of feminist consciousness-raising: horizontal transformation of epistemologies and transgression of neoliberal TimeSpace

Abstract

This paper looks back on the methodology and experience of feminist consciousness-raising (CR) in the 1970s, in relation to the current re-emergence of feminism. It constructs an argument that a new wave of CR is desirable so as to construct new forms of feminist pedagogy and activism. The paper will argue that contemporary feminism in the UK and US would benefit from this kind of methodology, through which a standpoint is constructed. The core of the paper is an analysis of how CR works as an affective and social process. Drawing on academic studies and participant accounts, the paper reconstructs the mechanisms through which participants' subjectivities and narratives are expressed and transformed. It suggests that these mechanisms express different non-homogeneous temporalities. The paper invites feminist pedagogy to get back to the base level of experience and unfold new theories and strategies to address the current context.

“You talk about problems until you feel free”: South African adolescent girls' and young women’s narratives on the value of HIV prevention peer support clubs

“…In the interviews, many participants described negative relationship experiences, including controlling behaviour and experiences of physical and sexual violence. As shown by the case studies, conversations in club sessions about the re ection of traditional gender norms in personal experiences shifted some women's thinking in a manner akin to the feminist consciousness raising of the 1960s and 70s [46]. In this process of collective knowledge-production, it was their perspectives on GBV that were most noticeably transformed.…”

“You talk about problems until you feel free”: South African adolescent and young women’s narratives on the value of HIV prevention peer support clubs

“…In the interviews, many participants described negative relationship experiences, including controlling behaviour and experiences of physical and sexual violence. As shown by the case studies, conversations in club sessions about the reflection of traditional gender norms in personal experiences shifted some women's thinking in a manner akin to the feminist consciousness raising of the 1960s and 70s [44]. In this process of collective knowledge-production, it was their perspectives on GBV that were most noticeably transformed.…”

Female Performers on a Male Stage

“…The momentum sparked by these face-to-face gatherings has been tangible, but it is yet to be determined whether this revival of face-to-face campaigning will translate into grassroots mobilising around other issues, or a revival of consciousness-raising groups. Academics and activists have also recently pointed to the continuing importance of consciousness-raising for the development of feminism, complete with calls for feminists to return to small group face-to-face organising (Firth and Robinson 2016 ; Hanisch 2010 ; Megarry 2018 ), as well as providing educational workshops on how to do so. 4 Revivals of face-to-face international radical feminist gatherings in Europe provide another sign of hope.…”