Scholars from diverse theoretical and political background argue that European feminism is in crisis or that new generations are living in a post-feminist era. This crisis is up to a certain extent framed by changes in the global political economy, by the growth and spread of neo-liberalism and by the postfordist new economy. As a result of these changes, inequality have increased both within and between nation-states; a feminisation of labour has escalated; and an extreme xenophobic right have become established in many European countries. However, women's participation in the new global movements for environmental justice, fair trade, debt reduction, labour rights and the growing public discourse around women's rights as human rights, offer powerful impulses towards a re-working of feminist agendas in a global frame. The aim of this workshop is to explore, both theoretically and empirically, the role of European feminism within emerging notions of social justice, in their variety and multiplicity. We are particularly interested in exploring strategies through which feminism engage with issues of political economy, international relations and global power hierarchies.

The workshop entitled Feminism in Europe. Feminist Agendas, new global movements and social justice, will bring together 22 scholars (including key participants) researching feminism, new global movements, and social justice from a European perspective. The workshop is funded by a grant from the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet). The workshop is restricted to participants.

Key participants:
Professor Clare Hemmings, the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
Professor Lann Hornscheidt, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
Professor Diana Mulinari, Lund University, Sweden