Intersectional Humanities Programme

Description

This dynamic research program emphasizes the principle of intersectionality, asserting and activating the core role and responsibility of the Humanities in examining issues of identity, subjectivity, interiority, and language. Intersectional thinking enhances sensitivity to differences, counteracts essentialism, and mitigates cultural polarisation. The urgency for this is particularly pronounced at present.

The program acknowledges the intricate interplay of diverse identity markers, categorisation, and self-understanding, including gender, sexuality, racialisation, disability, ethnicity, class, religion, citizenship, ideological stance, and generation. By employing multiple interpretative lenses, it sharpens the focus of discussions within feminist, queer, trans, non-binary, critical race, post-colonial, and disability studies, while also offering the potential for broader intellectual and institutional transformation. It is essential for the program to remain cognizant of intersectionality's historical roots as a critique of privileged racial and other forms, thereby emphasising openness, humility, and self-reflection.

The program fosters creative and critical dialogues across academic disciplines and among scholars, artists, activists, practitioners, and policymakers. It also highlights the multicultural and transnational nature of the University of Oxford, other local educational institutions, and the broader community, while cultivating national and international networks.

It collaborates closely with other TORCH programs and networks to facilitate exploratory research that transcends conventional boundaries. The program supports workshops, symposia, and performative events aligned with its overarching goals, providing a platform for grant applications.

It shares a strong connection with the interdisciplinary MSt in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, which, with a 25-year history (previously known as Women's Studies until 2021), has been engaged in intersectional critical discourse where theory and practice have mutually influenced each other. The interplay of activism within and beyond academia reflects the significance of terminology, particularly the term 'woman,' and the comprehensive understanding of all descriptive labels.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University of Oxford
Oxford

University of Oxford
Oxford