We would like to invite short papers for a workshop at Leicester (UK) in March 2014.
TITLE:
Diverse Alternatives: living, working and playing differently in the capitalist mainstream
DATE/LOCATION:
13th March 2014, 10am-5pm, University of Leicester
ABSTRACT:
This workshop aims to explore and compare ‘alternative’ ways of doing life that exist in the capitalist/global/neoliberal mainstream. In particular, rather than (perhaps) spectacular, explicit alternatives that are somehow counter-cultural or escapist, the workshop intends to map ordinary, mundane, provincial and everyday practices that may nevertheless constitute alternatives. The event is inspired by JK Gibson-Graham’s approach to mapping diverse economies – and is linked to Katherine Gibson’s public lecture at Leicester the previous day – although seeks engagement with a range of alternatives that fall within and beyond the remit of the ‘economic’. The workshop is also tethered to Leicester Geography’s “Communities and the Everyday” research theme.
We seek abstracts for short papers (10 minutes each) that identify, map and critically interrogate alternatives within the ordinary, mainstream capitalist present. We encourage papers based upon empirical research and/or case studies, both historical and contemporary, and which offer therein critical but constructive engagements with the diverse economies approach. Papers may reflect on (but not be limited to) alternatives within several realms of life: food, housing, parenting/childcare, education, play, family practices, leisure, art, sexualities, intimacies and sex-itself, being ‘green’, travel, alternative working practices, spiritual/emotional alternatives and different ways of expressing alternatives, such as through creative/artistic practices.
If you are interested in participating please submit 250 word abstracts to Dr Jenny Pickerill (j.pickerill@le.ac.uk) by 31st January 2014. We will let you know if you have been selected by February 7th 2014.
Alternatively, if you are interested in attending but not presenting (places are limited), please register your place with Dr Jenny Pickerill (j.pickerill@le.ac.uk) by 15th February 2014.
We are able to provide some bursaries for speakers for travel (and accomodation if necessary).
Thank you
Jenny Pickerill, Gavin Brown, Peter Kraftl and all Leicester human geographers
——————————-
Dr Jenny Pickerill Reader in Environmental Geography Department of Geography University of Leicester University Road Leicester LE1 7RH UK phone: +44 (0)116 252 3836 email: j.pickerill@le.ac.uk web: www.jennypickerill.info blog: http://naturalbuild.wordpress.com/ twitter: @JennyPickerill
Path to the Possible 