It seems strange that this is the last blog post for this module! I have really enjoyed forming, adjusting, and applying my ideas and research towards my final essay. I found that creating my presentation was really helpful to start piecing together my research and analysis ahead of writing. It helped give me a feeling of the structure, and also get a better idea of where the gaps in my research are. I’ve realised, including from some comments from Milinda, that my essay could benefit from more primary sources from non-Western women directly, and further research and engagement with global intellectual history – aspects I will be looking into more in the coming days.
I really enjoyed watching all the presentations, and it was really interesting to see all the examples of ways that transnational and comparative approaches could be used and applied to different contexts, times, and topics. After watching them, a few thoughts sprung to mind which I have highlighted below.
First of all, George. I really enjoyed watching your presentation, and found it really clear to understand and well structured. I think taking a more socio-political approach rather than a more emotive one is a good idea and leads to a more grounded approach. This said, I think that this does not mean you cannot include some more emotive aspects in places.
In terms of primary sources, I think newspapers are a really good option. With my research, I have found they provide both insights into what issues and news were prominent, and how they were covered and portrayed. As well as the New York Times which you mentioned, are there perhaps any publications or newsletters from any of the movements themselves? These could maybe, for example, give more detailed information to their goals, policies, and members.
Furthermore, you mentioned mapping, and I really recommend this. I did this with some locations of conferences for my project, and found the visual aspect really useful as an alternative way of understanding the spread of locations. I know you mentioned doing it to ensure you have covered both the East and West, but perhaps this could also lead to other insights, such as if any regions had a particularly large number of environmental movements developing.
Avery, it was really exciting to see how your project has been developing since we worked together at the unconference! I found your presentation really interesting and also quite relevant to mine: a lot of my focus is also on the ‘double subaltern’, including their attempts to gain their own agency, and I have also been engaging with gender and postcolonial theory. I think you have so many ideas, aspects you want to look at, and theories to engage with. As I have also done quite a lot of research and work towards subaltern women in particular, you have reminded me of the usefulness of engaging with Orientalism and Said, for example, more directly.
When looking at how nations who have experienced famine responded differently to hunger strikes, I am not sure what sort of sources you have so far, but one possibility for primary sources could be women’s journals. These are a key source that I have been using, and while they aren’t always from the locations you are focusing on, I have found they often report on various issues around the world, especially those publications of international and transnational organisations. Some examples of journals from national organisations and movements could include Equal Rights, Common Cause, and Stri-Dharma (although I have had translation issues with the latter), while some international examples include Pax International and Jus Suffragii.
Finally Sigi – I really enjoyed watching your presentation, and found it very well structured. You conveyed information really well, both verbally and visually, and as someone that knows minimal about Rìo de la Plata, I found it easy to follow along and understand. I think your use of SPSS is really innovative, and from what you have said it sounds like you are gaining some interesting pieces of data and analysis. In particular, I think the links of the shipping trades to the anti-English and anti-Spanish movements is an interesting research area and point of analysis, and one that stood out to me during your presentation. It really shows the significance and impact of these trading connections, and their wider implications in the world.
I hope these comments may be somewhat useful, and hope the rest of your research and writing goes well!