The experiences of feminist academic activists attempting to challenge the rules of the game in UK academia

Reedy, Florence

Abstract

This PhD examines the experiences of feminist academic activists attempting to challenge the rules of the game in UK academia. It addresses the questions: 1. Are the rules of the game in UK academia gendered? 2. Who are feminist academic activists? 3. In what ways do feminist academic activists challenge the rules of the game in UK Academia? And 4. How do feminist academic activists persevere within gendered institutions? The study is underpinned theoretically by feminist activism, concepts of empowerment and Freire’s theory of an alternative education, alongside feminist pedagogy. Narrative interviews were conducted with fifteen self-identified feminist academic activists and presented in a series of re-tellings and a narrative synthesis. In addition, my own narrative illustrates my own reflexive feminist academic activist positioning. Findings suggest that feminist academic activists often develop their identities during their upbringing, through education and through exposure to other feminists. They also suggest that the rules of the game can be challenged in the everyday through feminist research and teaching, speaking out, and through micro, everyday actions, including non-conforming. Furthermore, being a feminist academic activist requires both emotional and physical labour which involves developing approaches to survive within gendered institutions. The thesis contributes to theory and practice by suggesting ways in which developing a critical consciousness can lead to action; offering an innovative methodological approach; illustrating the embodiment of feminist academic activists; and challenging the rules of the game in academia.

Citation

Reedy, F. The experiences of feminist academic activists attempting to challenge the rules of the game in UK academia. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222893

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 10, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Health studies
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4222893
• Additional Information: Department of Health Studies, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 1, 2019