Exploring key concepts: Online Workshop on intersectionality and transformation

On October 5^th, 2023, the members of the international IIG “Gender and Spatial Transformation” conducted their first online workshop to discuss the main terms and concepts in the field of gender and spatial transformation. The main goal was to develop a common understanding of “intersectionality” and “transformation” for the further work. Furthermore, the IIG welcomed two new members: Maria Wagener (Regionalverband Ruhr) and Tim Van Puyenbroeck (kontextplan) joined the group and are looking forward to contributing their perspectives to the work of the IIG.

At first, the working group “Transformation” (Sybille Bauriedl, Katharina Kapitza, Tanja Mölders, Maria Wagener) presented their results highlighting that the transformation/transition debate is complicated to navigate. Thus, the IIG needs to position itself normatively as well as analytically and make a genuine, new argument. It was discussed that using gender as an analytical category might contribute to develop a critical understanding of transformation research and might also provide the innovative potential to deepen a critical understanding of sustainable development.

The second working group “intersectionality” (Henriette Bertram, Miriam Kienesberger, Sophie Thiel (guest), Maja-Lee Voigt) suggested to understand the concept of intersectionality as a critical tool to strengthen the transformative and innovative character of spatial (research) projects. It might also help to critically reflect on the own positioning (looking inward) and the research subject (looking outward). The members of the IIG also started a short reflection about their own conceptions and how they frame their work.

At the end of the workshop, the members started to discuss possible products of the first phase of the IIG's work. This discussion will be continued at the second online workshop that will be held on November 24^th, 2023 focussing on the term and concepts of “space”.