230163 SE How to make a feminist knowledge society (2013W)

The seminar subdivides in three parts that differ in teaching didactics and participation of the students. The first part of the seminar introduces to the basic thoughts of feminist science studies and theory. The second part uses this analytical gaze for reflecting on some of the techno-scientific and social utopia that the genre of feminist science fiction has created. The third part then focuses on imaginations about (knowledge) economy and work in these utopian worlds and therewith turns its perspective to an important - but often not explicitly addressed question; namely: how does an evolving knowledge society (resp.) economy - and therewith newly emerging work cultures introduce new dynamics to gender relations. The seminar thus uses perspectives of the gender studies for understanding 'The making of knowledge societies'.
I. From Women in Science to Feminist Restructuring of Science: This part reviews some core concepts of feminist thought in science and technology studies such as 'situated knowledge' and 'strong objectivity' (e.g. Harding, Haraway). It builds on theoretical inputs by the seminar teacher and students themselves who will present the texts that the seminar builds on.
II. Techno-Scientific (& Social) Utopia in Feminist Science (& Social) Fiction: Science Fiction is a genre, that not only creates new imaginations about the role and place of science and technology in our societies but that also creates thought spaces to newly negotiate and invent gender relations. In this seminar, the political relevance of these social utopia is going to be worked out with the analytical gaze of feminist science studies and theory.
III. Feminist Utopia of a Knowledge Society: Finally, the implications of feminist claims for the emerging knowledge society (resp. economy) will be discussed. On the one hand by reviewing most recent theoretical reflections (e.g. Walby 2011), but also using the example of current policies of getting women into the (natural) sciences in the Austrian context.