Research

Current projects

#SolidarityWithPolishWomen: Transnational Abortion Activism in Central Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea Region

The goal of the project is to investigate the character and dynamics of transnational abortion activism, a phenomenon that can be identified in contemporary Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea Region. Transnational abortion mobilisation in the region has not yet been investigated, despite its theoretical and social significance, given the recent limitations of civil rights and health assistance for Polish women. Hence, the proposed research is the first study where this type of mobilisation is analysed from national, comparative, and transnational perspectives. The research will be conducted in Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, and Sweden and will be supplemented by netnography and an investigation of the nature of global transnational abortion networks. The project utilizes a qualitative mixed-methods approach as individual interviews, observations (incl. shadowing) and netnography will be conducted. The theoretical framework consists of theories and concepts developed within gender studies and social movements studies, and the investigation is framed by an intersectional approach. The ambition is to contribute to the theoretical debates on transnational social movements. The results of the project will be published in scientific papers, an edited monograph, during scientific events and in the media. The project has clear societal relevance, providing knowledge on an under-researched social phenomenon, relevant to increasing the level of gender equality in the region.

Role in the project: Project leader
Funding: Foundation of Baltic and East European Studies

European queer memorials: from Homomonument to HBTQI memorial in Gothenburg

20230420_105803

The main aim of this study is to investigate the unique, European character of queer memorials understood as “(…) heritage sites that honor gender and sexual minorities, [which] represent communities that have often been excised in dominant public narratives” (Orangias et al. 2018: 705–706) that are located in 20 European cities. European queer memorials started to be incorporated in the public spaces of Western European cities in the 1980s and play an important role in memorizing LGBTQI+ citizens. Methodologically, it is a multiple case study, where several qualitative research methods such as a) mapping of existing queer memorials in Europe, b) ethnographic observations on-site combined with informal interviews; c) production and analysis of visual materials (photos of selected monuments) are being utilised. To shed light on the nature of contemporary queer memorials in Europe intersectional approach (Crenshaw 1998, Hill Collins & Bilge 2016) is being applied.

Role in the project: Project leader
Funding: Adlerbertska Foundation

Completed projects

How did I end up here? Stories from migrant men

In recent years, Sweden has received large numbers of migrants and refugees and majority of them are men. This has caused significant public debates, as in the public eyes, the typical migrant is a young, single man and the growing number of male migrants has been one of most vivid concern of the European societies. Therefore, the main aim of the project is to strengthen communication of newest research findings to the public and increase the level of nuanced knowledge on masculinities, gender attitudes and living conditions of all male migrants in Sweden. The project aims to present the findings of the ongoing ethnographic research project on single migrant men in the EU entitled “Transnational single men. An ethnography about singleness among migrated men in the European Union” (VR 2018-01476). This will be done in order to combat stereotypes and misinformation regarding single migrant men living in Sweden. This will be done by following activities: project website maintenance, social media campaign, development of popular science blogposts and podcasts as well as organisation of a storytelling workshop and science theatre. Consequently, target groups are: Swedish general public, single migrant men that live in Sweden and relevant stakeholders.

Role in the project: Project team’s member, co-applicant
Funding: Swedish Research Council (VR)

European fathers’ rights movements: gender (in)equality discourses and politics

The goal of this project is to conduct research on European fathers’ rights movements (FRMs), a particular facet of men’s social movements and their discourses on gender (in)equality as well as practices aimed at combating gender-based discrimination. Fathers’ rights groups exist in all EU countries and are the most recognizable and “powerful” phenomena among European men’s movements. However, to date, there has been a lack of sufficient research on these phenomena. Therefore, the aim of this research project is to fill the knowledge gap on European fathers’ rights movements by conducting a scientific investigation from national, comparative and transnational perspectives. The project draws on preliminary qualitative research on Polish, Swedish and British fathers’ rights movements and will be enriched by new data gathered through several social research methods including quantitative and qualitative studies. Firstly, quantitative research, including groups mapping and internet-based surveys, has been conducted in all EU/EFTA states. Secondly, in-depth interviews have been conducted with movement activists from a) Germany and Spain and b) transnational organisations, and this data are being analysed. The project combines and contributes to the literature on social movements, critical men and masculinities studies and European studies. Aside from its theoretical, methodological and empirical significance, the project has significant societal relevance.

Role in the project: Project leader
Funding: Swedish Research Council (VR)

Transnational bachelorhood. An ethnography of singledom among migrant men in the European Union, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg