7 th European Feminist Research Conference Utrecht, 4-7 June 2009 GEMIC: A project on Gender, Migration and Intercultural Interactions in the Mediterranean and South East Europe Countries: Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Italy, Spain Maria Stratigaki Centre for Gender Studies, Department of Social Policy, Panteion University, Greece

Objectives Critical assessment of theoretical and policy frameworks of ethnicity, gender and culture in the Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe. Analyze of intersection between ethnicity, gender and culture in specific areas (media, education, religion, urban spaces, violence and mixed/ transnational families). Contribute to the debate on policy making in the context of political Europeanization and the shaping of European identities/citizens following important current shifts in gender regimes and socio-cultural realities in the EU.

A positive approach to migration Current migrations change the socio-cultural map of Europe: “new” questions about “old” concepts: social cohesion, citizenship, civic rights, European identity. Policies balance between “promoting intercultural dialogue” and “treating migrants as a threat”: understanding of internal conflicts in policy making Migration produce social spaces (and identities) contributing in the construction of peaceful societies. Positive impact of migration in challenging established power relations. Practices of resistance to discrimination and exclusion.

An intersectional approach to gender Challenging gendered and ethnocentric presuppositions and stereotypes about “male “ and “female” identities/practices/public-private boundaries Understand conflicts/compromises/ tensions/ convergences between race, ethnicity, class and gender in the shaping of personal and collective identities. Acknowledge the complexity of social relations and the dynamic of minoritization, racialization and feminization in relation to dominant discourse/practices of gender identities and differences

A critical approach to intercultural interaction Culture is not a close system of values, customs and beliefs, within clearly identified borders Accepting the possibility of proactive engagement between cultures rather a multicultural approach in political representation and community cohesion Conflict is not only inevitable but a creative process Cultural complexity is a product of mutual influences, exchanges of ideas, and conflict between social groups and within and across established borders. Dynamic intersections between the global, the national and the local in the process of cultural formation

Thematic area: The media Examine the representation of “self” and the “migrant” the “other” in the media Ways of naturalization and normalization of power hierarchies and inequalities Reproduction of discourses on belonging and identities Dissemination of information and promotion of awareness on cultural diversity Field research: films and press (discourse/ content analysis).

Thematic area: education Education is the site in which gendered national and religious identities and histories are constructed and reproduced. Education provides opportunities and challenges for anti-racist and gender neutral intervention. Policies of cultural integration and multiculturalism to be challenged Field research: intercultural curriculum development and educational practices in schools (participant observation).

Thematic area: religion Examine the development of transnational migrant identities based on tensions between religious minorities and European cultures Religious institutions and practices as social spaces of intercultural interaction and gendered identities Conflict and dialogue between feminist, religious and secular practices. Field research: religious practices of interaction between gender and culture (participant observation, interviews)

Thematic area: urban spaces/social movements Examine the interaction of gender, migration and culture in social movements, local communities and neighborhoods. Places of conflict, exchange and cooperation, criminalization. Informal practices of assimilation, integration and marginalization (and resistance) to established power relations in urban spaces Field research: observation of urban and everyday life in neighborhood and other social spaces (public squares).

Thematic area: violence Examine interrelations in the field of gendered violence and women’s victimization The role of violence in the construction of gender/ethnic identities/ everyday practices Dynamic of intercultural violence at personal/collective levels Mapping of institutions ad practices aiming at prevention practices. Field research: discourse analysis: policy documents, oral histories of victims.

Thematic area: family relations Gender and ethnicity dynamics in mixed and transnational families Conflicts between gender and ethnic power relations and identities in everyday family life The role of multiple influences and geographical mobility Field research: Interviews and focus groups with spouses/partners of mixed families and transnational families (live-in women- husbands left behind).

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