The Dematerialization of the Struggle for Sexual Equality

Program

The Dematerialization of the Struggle for Sexual Equality - Neoliberal Governance in the Swedish Welfare State

This seminar will explore effects of neoliberal governance of social movements in the Swedish welfare state. As is true for many countries across the Western hemisphere, the Swedish state has transformed its structure of governance from a Keynesian/corporatist to a neoliberal one. By analysing the support on behalf of the state-run Swedish Inheritance Fund to the political struggle for sexual equality for persons with functional diversity, I will analysis an example of this governance. Specifically, I argue that one of the ways in which the transformation of state governance of social movements can be conceptualized is through the concept of dematerialization.

The presentation is based on an ongoing research project, located within the tradition of institutional ethnography, to explore the ways in which ruling relations effects social movements. It builds on interviews and observations with crip- and/or sex activists involved in the struggle for sexual equality.

In order to understand the political struggle in focus, we need to locate it within the transformation of the Swedish welfare state. In the last decade, thousands of persons with functional diversity have lost the support they need in order to live an independent life. The first conclusion of this presentation is that austerity politics limit the possibilities of persons with functional diversity to participate in the political struggle.

Further on in the presentation, I will traces neoliberal governance through the dematerialization of the struggle for sexuality and sexual equality, meaning the ways in which sexuality and the right to an intimate sphere for persons with functional diversity are framed as issues of knowledge and education, and not as issues of material resources needed to access and uphold intimate relationships. In this way, the right to intimacy becomes a project-based endeavour to inform people with functional diversity about sexuality, rather than ensuring their right to an autonomous intimate sphere through practical enablement. I hope my research can contribute to the growing field of studies exploring the effect of neoliberal governance on social movements and demands for justice.