1. Reflections on A World of Their Own: A History of South African Women’s Education BOOK LAUNCH
Sarojini Nadar
Associate Professor
Gender and Religion Programme
College of Humanities: Dean for Research
University of KwaZulu-Natal

2. Structure Overview and Significance of book
How the book builds on, engages and challenges the wider global feminist project.
Aluta Continua: What remains to be done?
6/2/2018
S Nadar

3. Overview and Significance of book
Overview: The book “explains the development of African women’s schooling as an outcome of the politics of social reproduction” (pg2) – using Inanda seminary as a case study
Significance:
Gap in Research and Scholarship: “As Bantu Education developed, critical research focused on overarching issues of race and class.” – (pg.6)
In its gendered analysis and choice of subject matter this study can make an important contribution to South African education history. There are few studies of African women’s schooling in South Africa, and none of this academic weight. — Dr Helen Ludlow, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand
6/2/2018
S Nadar

4. Definition of Social Reproduction
“It refers to tasks such as biological reproduction, childcare and household chores, and tasks outside the home, including participation in organisations and community work… These activities tend to be viewed as an extension of women’s biological function and it is primarily women and girls, therefore, who are expected to assume the main responsibility for these roles.” Marina Prieto-Carrón
6/2/2018
S Nadar

5. Social Reproduction…Illustrated
6/2/2018
S Nadar

6. The book and the wider feminist global project
Features of Global Feminist Historical Project:
Suspicion – Of History – [HIS – STORY]
Story – The personal is political
Solidarity – Intersectionality of oppressions
Scrutiny – Application of theoretical insights
So What? – Research that makes a difference
6/2/2018
S Nadar

7. The book and the wider feminist global project
Suspicion – HIS- STORY
6/2/2018
S Nadar

8. The book and the wider feminist global project
2. Story
The personal is political
Personal story illuminates the larger dynamic
Story is a legitimate means of historical inquiry
Lament: “curtailed my descents into narrative history.” (pg.xii)
Hope: interviewees’ words into the narrative as fully as possible
6/2/2018
S Nadar

9. The book and the wider feminist global theological project
3. Solidarity – the recognition that oppressions are linked
“patchwork quilt of patriarchies”
“This book foregrounds the multiple spaces of subordination – and domination – that black female students could occupy simultaneously, at the intersections of their gender, race, class and generational positions…”pg 7.
6/2/2018
S Nadar

10. The book and the wider feminist global project
4. Scrutiny – Research and application of critical tools used to great advantage – richness of the book lies herein.
Directed life-history interviews
But transformative – Cultivating conversations rather than inquisitions (pg. 12)
6/2/2018
S Nadar

11. The book and the wider feminist global project
5. So – what?
6/2/2018
S Nadar

12. Aluta Continua: What remains to be done?
6/2/2018
S Nadar