The relationship between feminism and motherhood is complicated but fascinating. While famous Western feminists publicly opposed (the institution of) motherhood, and some contemporary feminists still find it difficult to reconcile motherhood with their feminist convictions, other critical thinkers like black and indigenous feminists, queer and crip scholars, have pointed out the emancipatory potential of the mothering practice. Rather than spelling out the complicated relation between feminism and motherhood directly, during this winter school we will explore it through the topic of sense of agency in motherhood. Through guest lectures and discussions, and by reading and discussing mothering accounts in cultural expressions (e.g. literature, film...) we will explore the possible meanings of sense of agency in this context and the many factors influencing mothers’ sense of agency.
Among the topics for discussion are mothers’ complicity in their own oppression, TERFs, matrescence literature, infertility in academia, migrant mothers’ experiences, parenting apps, mom rage, birth strikes and (gendered division of) household labour.
Confirmed speakers:
- Charlotte Knowles
- Stefan Ramaekers
- Amal Miri
- Ladan Rahbari
- Michiel De Proost
- Sigrid Wallaert
- Federica Bono
- Suzanne Grotenhuis
Discover the detailed programme below:
Target group
The winter school is targeted at Master of Arts students and Master's and PhD-students interested in the topics discussed. We aim for an international and interdisciplinary audience. The entire winter school will be in English, so a good command is necessary.
Campus
This winter school takes place at Stadscampus (Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp) of the University of Antwerp. This campus is located in the city centre.
Micro-credential and study credits (ECTS)
6 credits will be awarded upon successful completion of the programme according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Participants who attend the scheduled course contact hours, but don't complete the tasks will receive a certificate of attendance.
To qualify for a Certificate of Completion (6 ECTS), students have to meet the following evaluation requirements:
- a first written reflection, submitted at least a week before the start of the winter school
- attendance (at least 80% of the scheduled course contact hours) and active participation (perform adequately in all continuous assesment tasks, including exercises and short presentations in class) during the winter school
- a second written reflection, submitted after the winter school
The evaluation of the active participation in the course amounts to 20% of the total grade for this course. The assessment of the double reflection paper amounts to 80% of the total grade for this course.
To include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution, participants need an agreement with the responsible person at their university. University of Antwerp students eligible to include the ECTS credits as part of their study programme must register via Mobility Online and SisA.
All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential.
Learning outcomes
- Students are able to analyse, appreciate and critically evaluate several ways in which concepts of motherhood and mothering are reflected and used in current society.
- Students are able to reproduce and reflect on various feminist conceptions of motherhood.
- Students develop their own viewpoints on the readings and major course themes and discuss them in small collaborative groups and in plenary sessions.
- Students are able to synthesize and critically reflect on the central ideas of the guest lectures on the main subject of this course.
Social programme
Antwerp Summer & Winter University offers a number of fun social activities to let participants discover the beautiful city of Antwerp and meet fellow students in a more informal way.
Examples of activities in past editions are a networking reception, a guided city walk, a pub quiz, a boardgame night, and rooftop yoga. All activities in the social programme are offered free of charge.
A few weeks before the start of the winter school, confirmed participants will receive an overview of all activities available during the programme, along with the opportunity to register.