The Memory-Work Group: Feminist Belonging

Abstract

Using the work of Nira Yuval-Davis, this chapter considers how four women who took part in a memory-work group negotiate a sense of feminist belonging across three sites. Firstly, two memories written by Alexandra illustrate how belonging is negotiated across social positionings. Alexandra was able to establish a sense of belonging on a SlutWalk march as a white middle-class woman. Secondly, the women’s discussion of arguing demonstrates how establishing belonging can secure a feminism that feels under threat. Finally, the women’s discussion of strategies they employ to ensure they are listened to exposes shifting boundaries of belonging. Across these sites, the ‘proper feminist’ is an illusionary figure that regulates feminist belonging. The women measure themselves against this figure, despite an awareness of exclusions she enacts.