Assuming Gender. An Online Academic Journal (Web)

Neoliberalism has recently come to define a particular object of critical enquiry, especially after the financial crisis of 2008. Considered by some to have superseded terms such as postmodernism and globalisation, neoliberalism is no longer taken as merely an economic ideology adhered to by a rich elite but as a global norm that touches the lives of billions. In this special issue we aim to explore how neoliberalism, as a form of governmental rationality, goes beyond the realm of fiscal conduct and has affected, influenced or moulded the construction of gendered subjectivities, especially in the realm of cultural production. While much has been written about the deployment of neoliberal strategies and techniques as a mode of governance, especially through the lens of Michel Foucault’s concept of ‘governmentality’, less has dealt with its consequences on how these transformations have affected representations of gender and sexuality in popular culture. This special issue aims to add to this growing field of critical enquiry.

In respect to the title, ‘Neoliberal Gender, Neoliberal Sex’, we particularly welcome submissions that address the relationship between practices of cultural production and models of neoliberal rationality/governmentality.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to, the relationship between gender, sexuality and neoliberalism in:

The aesthetics of austerity
Post-feminism
Television/Reality TV
Radio
Cinema
Literature
Contemporary pop music/video
Computer games
News media
Social media and the internet
Artistic practice
Sport and fitness
Pornography
Self-help, Self-motivation
Food Culture
Charity/Fundraising
Comic Books/Graphic Novels

Articles are welcome from academics and graduate students from any academic discipline. We also welcome inter- and multi-disciplinary approaches.

Submissions should follow the Assuming Gender submission guidelines. Deadline for the completed article: Friday, 7th November 2014.

Submissions and enquiries should be sent to the issue editor, Tom Harman, at gender@cardiff.ac.uk. If you would like to discuss a proposal please contact Tom as soon as possible.

Source: female-l@jku.at