SAVE KORTEDALA LIBRARY Gendering Practices in Urban Activism

Abstract

The aim of the study was to discuss conditions for urban activism, through looking at the interest group Save Kortedala Library and its gendering practices. The aim was furthermore to examine the role Kortedala Library plays for the community as well as to relate Save Kortedala Library to a larger context of resistance to neoliberalism. To do this, I have conducted four semi-structured interviews and done three participatory observations.

I have concluded that the library is important for the community and has a multitude of functions. I also argue that the library is feminized through a number of practices which would make the budget cuts it has been subjected to a patriarchal practice as well as one of neoliberalism. The interest group, which was formed to protest the cuts, has similarities to movements resisting neoliberal policies in countries such as South Africa, Romania and the US, and can thus be said to be part of a bigger struggle. I have also found a number of gendering practices related to questions of visibility, recognition and caring/responsibility. Challenging those practices can give the group better chances to grow and survive over time.