Participation Type
Roundtable
Session Title
Examining Feminism in Appalachia through Historical Scholarship: A Roundtable Discussion of Women of the Mountain South
Session Abstract or Summary
This panel explores the concept of Appalachian feminism(s) through a discussion of the recently released book Women of the Mountain South: Identity, Work, and Activism. The panel will begin to explore questions such as: What is Appalachian feminism? Is there an Appalachian feminism? Are there several Appalachian feminisms? How has it changed over time? How is it different/similar to other forms of feminism? How does it fit into wider conceptualizations of feminism? Who is an Appalachian feminist? What are the aims of Appalachian feminism? What is an Appalachian feminist theoretical perspective? How does feminism in Appalachia connect with other social movements? How we can use historical scholarship to examine feminism in Appalachia? Are historical examinations necessary for understanding Appalachian feminism?
Joining in conversation with the authors, emerging and established scholars and activists will explore themes related to the notion of “women” and “activism” in the mountains. Our intention for this roundtable is to initiate a conversation about feminism in Appalachia to be continued in future conferences.
Presentation #1 Title
Examining Feminism in Appalachia through Historical Scholarship: A Roundtable Discussion of Women of the Mountain South
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This panel explores the concept of Appalachian feminism(s) through a discussion of the recently released book Women of the Mountain South: Identity, Work, and Activism. The panel will begin to explore questions such as: What is Appalachian feminism? Is there an Appalachian feminism? Are there several Appalachian feminisms? How has it changed over time? How is it different/similar to other forms of feminism? How does it fit into wider conceptualizations of feminism? Who is an Appalachian feminist? What are the aims of Appalachian feminism? What is an Appalachian feminist theoretical perspective? How does feminism in Appalachia connect with other social movements? How we can use historical scholarship to examine feminism in Appalachia? Are historical examinations necessary for understanding Appalachian feminism? Joining in conversation with the authors, emerging and established scholars and activists will explore themes related to the notion of “women” and “activism” in the mountains. Our intention for this roundtable is to initiate a conversation about feminism in Appalachia to be continued in future conferences.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Kathryn Engle is a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology at the University of Kentucky. Engle completed an MA in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University in 2013. She currently serves as a co-chair of Young Appalachian Leaders and Learners (Y’ALL) and coordinates the Grow Appalachia community gardening program in Knox County, Kentucky.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Connie Park Rice earned a Ph.D. in American history from West Virginia University with an emphasis on Appalachian, African-American, and Religious history. Rice is the co-editor of Women in the Mountain South: Identity, Work, and Activism (Ohio University Press, 2015), and the author of numerous articles in scholarly journals, books, and encyclopedias. Rice is a lecturer in the Department of History at WVU. She served on the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Commission and is the Assistant Editor of West Virginia History: A Journal of Regional Studies. She is currently working on a new project titled "A Woman's View of War: A Documentary History of West Virginia Women in the Civil War Era."
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Marie Tedesco is the Director of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program at East Tennessee State University. Tedesco is the co-editor of Women in the Mountain South: Identity, Work, and Activism (Ohio University Press, 2015).
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Rachel Terman is an assistant professor of Sociology at Ohio University and studies the intersection of gender, race, class, and sexuality issues in Appalachia. She earned a PhD in Rural Sociology from Penn State University and an MA in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Jordan Laney studies in the ASPECT doctoral program at Virginia Tech. Laney received her M.A. in Appalachian Studies: Roots Music and Influences (Appalachian State University, 2013), B.F.A. in Creative Writing (Goddard College, 2010), and was a 2013 graduate of Leadership Bluegrass. She currently serves as a co-chair of Young Appalachian Leaders and Learners (Y’ALL), and is an associate member of the Graduate Teaching Assistant Academy for Excellence at VT.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #6
Brandi Slider Weekley is a Ph.D. candidate in the Interdisciplinary Education program at West Virginia University. Her dissertation ethnographically examines how social class structures and Appalachian culture are engaged as West Virginia students make the postsecondary transition. She paid particular attention to students’ agency and identities during this process as tools to disrupt inequitable structures in education. She will graduate in the December 2015.
Examining Feminism in Appalachia through Historical Scholarship: A Roundtable Discussion of Women of the Mountain South
This panel explores the concept of Appalachian feminism(s) through a discussion of the recently released book Women of the Mountain South: Identity, Work, and Activism. The panel will begin to explore questions such as: What is Appalachian feminism? Is there an Appalachian feminism? Are there several Appalachian feminisms? How has it changed over time? How is it different/similar to other forms of feminism? How does it fit into wider conceptualizations of feminism? Who is an Appalachian feminist? What are the aims of Appalachian feminism? What is an Appalachian feminist theoretical perspective? How does feminism in Appalachia connect with other social movements? How we can use historical scholarship to examine feminism in Appalachia? Are historical examinations necessary for understanding Appalachian feminism? Joining in conversation with the authors, emerging and established scholars and activists will explore themes related to the notion of “women” and “activism” in the mountains. Our intention for this roundtable is to initiate a conversation about feminism in Appalachia to be continued in future conferences.
