To be a feminist in (tourism) academia

Abstract

This study explores what it means to be a feminist in (tourism) academia. Different understandings of feminist identity and their ethical and political dimensions are examined using the method of the vignette. This technique is applied as an autoethnographic and narrative tool that facilitates the exploration of feminism from multiple viewpoints. Three characters, Sheryl-Ana, Gloria-Ana, and Gaga-Ana, are presented, drawing inspiration from the literature and my own life experiences, research and activism in tourism academia. These narratives are followed by a discussion on multiple ways of doing academic feminism and demonstrating our capacities for political engagement.

Keywords:

• Feminism
• higher education
• gender
• activism

Notes

1. This study follows the different categories that the literature presents as perspectives in feminist theorizing. For an extensive analysis of the relationship between feminist theorizing, feminist epistemologies and philosophy of science see Harding (1986), Anderson (2015) and Grasswick (2011, 2013).

2. The TRINET is an electronic bulletin board (listserv) connecting the international tourism research and education community. TRINET is the largest listserv of tourism researchers which had over 2300 members in 2016.