About this Event
Join us in reading in Eastern Europe
The readings will start at 15.00 sharp, so please join us at 14.30 for some tea and biscuits before we start!
Abstract: This article examines the history of knowledge production about the former Eastern Bloc in the American and Polish academic contexts. It explores how debates about authority and authenticity are embedded in the deeper histories of area studies and in long-standing confl icts dating from the earliest years of the fi eld of Slavic and East European Studies. The discussion about authority and authenticity within feminist circles mirrors larger conflicts between proponents of the totalitarian thesis and the so-called revisionists. The confl icts between these two schools precipitated a continuing epistemic crisis that also infects the academic cultures of Eastern Europe and is exacerbated by the neoliberalization of academic knowledge production. The epistemic cultures perpetuating Cold War stereotypes may lead to self-censorship or dissuade young researchers from studying the gendered aspects of lived experience in the communist era.
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No prior reading is required, as we will read together aloud during the session – one person and one paragraph at a time. There is also no need for any prior knowledge on the topic. Some hard copies of the text will be available on the day.
There is an option to join online - please email us at [email protected] to let us know you would like to join remotely.
*The readings are drawn from a bibliography compiled as part of a project run by Cell Project Space and the Feminist Duration Reading Group in 2023-2024, with support from the British Art Network.
Access information
The event will last approximately 2 hours, with a comfort break before the Q&A. We will be using mics.
Getting here:
To reach The Feminist Library, the closest tube station is Peckham Rye (1.3km away) which is not step-free. The route from Peckham Rye station is step-free but not level throughout. The nearest wheelchair accessible tube station is Queen’s Road Peckham, via a boarding ramp. Bus stops for routes 63, 363, 381, and 78 can all be found nearby. The closest bus stop (for routes 63 and 363 only) is ~330m away, the route is step free and level.
Arrival:
The Sojourner Truth Centre which houses the Library is completely step-free with level floors through-out.
Ring the Feminist Library bells at the doorway (at 137cm), or call us in advance and you will be met. There is a slight depression in the floor where the welcome mat meets the floor. The door is 137cm wide, heavy, and is not automated.
A Library Opener will greet you when you arrive and open the door, please let us know if there is any way large or small to make your visit easier. There is no obligation to chat, you can write a message down and show them if you would prefer or email in advance.
There are three doorways to pass through to access the main Library hall. Foyer double door does not stay open on its own. Floors are smooth and may be slippery if wet.
The main Library Hall is a completely step-free space, with level floors throughout. There is a set of double doors into the hall, and typically only one of them is propped open. We will open both on request. We have a variety of chairs including wide seats, and chairs with arm/back-rests. All chairs have back rests. If you need to reserve an armchair or sofa space please get in touch.
There is a narrow kitchen with crockery and cutlery, a mini fridge, and a microwave. You are welcome to bring food into the library, or use the teas and coffee in the kitchen. There is a Londis 72m (~2 mins) away which is step free and level throughout, with a step free route from the library, though please note the pavement may not be level.
Toilets are all gender neutral. There is one accessible toilet, which does not require a radar key, and two toilet rooms, located just across from library hall, offering cubicles and a urinal. Pull-down changing table is available in the accessible toilet.
Children are welcome but we do not have a creche.
Assistance pets are welcome in the Library. There may be dogs in the Library on occasion, please let us know if you are not comfortable with this.
Hand sanitiser and masks are available. Let the Openers know if you would like others to be masked.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Feminist Library, 161 Sumner Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
