Instructor:
What do global feminism and food have in common? Why are food and gender often interrelated? How does food contribute to politicized discourses on a wide range of bodies and bodily identities? What could eating disorders have in common with the patriarchy? Could food help with escaping social roles and constraints? In this course we will focus on close readings of the symbolic meaning of food across a variety of countries and cultures in in-translation narratives, films, TV series and advertisements – with an emphasis on materials created by women and minorities – addressing broader issues of gender, identity and politics of the body. Reflecting on a variety of cultural products from around the globe helps us to understand the complex role of food and food-related-activities in our life. An intersectional feminist approach will frame class discussions and several sessions on the current issues related to gender and food, such as eating disorders and orthorexia, will be included.