Description
Title: Understanding the mechanism of embodied discrimination: methods of detection and tools of resistanceEmbodied discrimination is a concept informed by theories of embodiment in computer science (Paul Dourish), approaches to contemporary dance training and movement psychotherapy (somatic practices), perspectives on power relationships in society (Michel Foucault), Marxist perspectives on the role of class, and current developments in post-colonial theory and processes of decolonising (Frantz Fanon, Edouard Glissant).
Embodied discrimination occurs as a result of behaviours which interfere with the right of people from disadvantaged groups to fully participate in society, most importantly in decision making processes. It is a form of silencing people from disadvantaged groups through use of certain bodily postures, facial expressions, language structures (rather than specific words), and intricate combinations of all these elements. A certain organisation of the physical (or even virtual) space can also reinforce the effect of such behaviours. For example, people can be rendered invisible in spaces as a result of how dominant people use these spaces (which are already designed in the wrong way). Those subjected to bodily discrimination often suffer from negative physical impact which contributes to the development of mental health issues, and their ability to interact with others. They feel weak, drained, tired, which often leads to lack of motivation, lack of confidence, difficulty to think, communicate, and challenge others productively.
None of these issues are new in academic research. For example, the role of the male gaze has been discussed for a long time in feminist theory and also in film theory. In disability studies there is existing research on how the majority of our buildings do not cover the needs of wheel-chair users, visually impaired, deaf people and perhaps even autistic people. But there has not been sufficient exploration about how this knowledge can inform trade union work on equality, diversity and inclusion.
Coming from an initial background in performing arts, followed by involvement with visual arts and participatory practices alongside academic work on the value of artistic research and how knowledge which underlines (as well as emerges from) artistic practices can help us address real-life problems, I would like to use my professional experience as an academic and artist to strengthen my trade union work. With the support of colleagues and fellow trade unionists, Vivek Santayana and Claire Graf (UCU Edinburgh branch), I discussed the potential of an interdisciplinary research project which might include three phases:
-detection methods and data collection (focus groups, workshops)
-analysis (here also comes the role of imagination)
- creation of tools (diagnostic tool, training to empower people to detect and address embodied discrimination in daily life as individuals and at group level)
In this presentation I would like to discuss how performative and participatory methods used in the contemporary performance projects can be used to detect instances of embodied discrimination in the workplace, as well as how to resist through bodily methods. If there is time and available space, I would be interested in running a workshop instead of presenting a paper, or running a workshop in addition to presenting a paper.
| Period | 17 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Manchester, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |