Elizabeth Mackinlay – författare

Writing Feminist Autoethnography explores the personal-is-political relationship between autoethnography and feminist theory and practice. Each chapter introduces the lives and works of a range of feminist thinkers and writers and considers the ways in which their thinking and writing might come to be in relation with our own personal-is-political thinking and writing work as feminist autoethnographers. The book begins with an acknowledgement of the author’s positionality as a white-settler-colonial-woman in relation with Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Mara and Kudanji Aboriginal women. This positionality has continued to resonate deeply with the responses and sensibilities the author holds as a feminist autoethnographer to move beyond coloniality. She explores the writing of Virginia Woolf, Simone Weil, Simone de Beauvoir, Hélène Cixous, Kathleen Stewart, bell hooks and Ruth Behar, with critical affect to embrace, embody and engage with feminist thinking, wondering and feeling. The book creatively and performatively explores what it means to live a feminist life as an autoethnographer. This book will define and conceptualize feminist autoethnography for all qualitative researchers, especially those interested in critical autoethnography, and scholars in gender studies and communication.

Writing Feminist Autoethnography explores the personal-is-political relationship between autoethnography and feminist theory and practice. Each chapter introduces the lives and works of a range of feminist thinkers and writers and considers the ways in which their thinking and writing might come to be in relation with our own personal-is-political thinking and writing work as feminist autoethnographers. The book begins with an acknowledgement of the author’s positionality as a white-settler-colonial-woman in relation with Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Mara and Kudanji Aboriginal women. This positionality has continued to resonate deeply with the responses and sensibilities the author holds as a feminist autoethnographer to move beyond coloniality. She explores the writing of Virginia Woolf, Simone Weil, Simone de Beauvoir, Hélène Cixous, Kathleen Stewart, bell hooks and Ruth Behar, with critical affect to embrace, embody and engage with feminist thinking, wondering and feeling. The book creatively and performatively explores what it means to live a feminist life as an autoethnographer. This book will define and conceptualize feminist autoethnography for all qualitative researchers, especially those interested in critical autoethnography, and scholars in gender studies and communication.

Explore pastoral strategies for dealing with mental health problems! Mental health is increasingly being recognized as an important issue in later life. This valuable book will help you examine this dimension of aging in the context of pastoral, spiritual, and cultural issues. It explores the relationship between mental health, spirituality, and religion in later life, including the search for meaning, cultural issues, spiritual issues, depression, dementia, and issues of suicide in older people. The first part of Mental Health and Spirituality in Later Life focuses on theology, ethics, and cultural issues in mental health and aging. The second part addresses issues of multidisciplinary practice, including a challenging chapter written by a woman with early onset dementia (Alzheimer's) and other chapters that present perspectives on the uses and meanings of ritual and symbolism in mental health and pastoral approaches to care. Part one of Mental Health and Spirituality in Later Life deals with issues of theology, culture, and mental health in later life, focusing on:the importance of a richly textured understanding of personhood as a prerequisite for constructing a picture of late-life mental health in the context of theology the relationship between culture, spirituality, and meaning for older immigrantsand their effects on mental health the adverse effects of a mental health system that reflects only the dominant culture of a society, leaving minority cultures vulnerable to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments that can do more harm than good a wholistic picture of aging that moves beyond the biomedical paradigm and demonstrates the power and potential of the human spirit in adjusting to and moving beyond sufferingPart two of this valuable book addresses issues of concern to practitioners in mental health and spirituality for the aging, including:disruptive behavior among nursing home residents and common practices that fail to identify its causes or address the problem how some staff/resident interactions can produce suffering for all concernedwith case study outlines that illustrate the point memory loss and its effect on spirituality, self-worth, and the faith community pastoral care for people suffering with dementiawith practical information on helping them to make use of the power of prayer and to deal with loneliness, fear, and disempowerment an insightful look at a recent major study of residents in aged care facilities in Australia that explores the link between depression and spirituality risk and protective factors associated with suicide in later life and the treatment of depression pastoral interventions for depression and dementia

Explore pastoral strategies for dealing with mental health problems! Mental health is increasingly being recognized as an important issue in later life. This valuable book will help you examine this dimension of aging in the context of pastoral, spiritual, and cultural issues. It explores the relationship between mental health, spirituality, and religion in later life, including the search for meaning, cultural issues, spiritual issues, depression, dementia, and issues of suicide in older people. The first part of Mental Health and Spirituality in Later Life focuses on theology, ethics, and cultural issues in mental health and aging. The second part addresses issues of multidisciplinary practice, including a challenging chapter written by a woman with early onset dementia (Alzheimer's) and other chapters that present perspectives on the uses and meanings of ritual and symbolism in mental health and pastoral approaches to care. Part one of Mental Health and Spirituality in Later Life deals with issues of theology, culture, and mental health in later life, focusing on:the importance of a richly textured understanding of personhood as a prerequisite for constructing a picture of late-life mental health in the context of theology the relationship between culture, spirituality, and meaning for older immigrantsand their effects on mental health the adverse effects of a mental health system that reflects only the dominant culture of a society, leaving minority cultures vulnerable to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments that can do more harm than good a wholistic picture of aging that moves beyond the biomedical paradigm and demonstrates the power and potential of the human spirit in adjusting to and moving beyond sufferingPart two of this valuable book addresses issues of concern to practitioners in mental health and spirituality for the aging, including:disruptive behavior among nursing home residents and common practices that fail to identify its causes or address the problem how some staff/resident interactions can produce suffering for all concernedwith case study outlines that illustrate the point memory loss and its effect on spirituality, self-worth, and the faith community pastoral care for people suffering with dementiawith practical information on helping them to make use of the power of prayer and to deal with loneliness, fear, and disempowerment an insightful look at a recent major study of residents in aged care facilities in Australia that explores the link between depression and spirituality risk and protective factors associated with suicide in later life and the treatment of depression pastoral interventions for depression and dementia

Humor expresses a certain heroic defiance in the face of life’s most challenging experience and provides a valuable resource for the celebration of life and the divine comedy of faith, hope, and love.From the book chapter by Melvin A. Kimble, PhDStudies have shown that as many people age, their spirituality deepens. Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair explores the challenges faced by those in later life and the use of humor for self-transcendence to achieve greater strength and deeper spirituality. Respected authorities share their insights on humor and despair in the process of spiritual development in later life, with discussions on how to provide effective pastoral practice in aged care.Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair presents the major issues that challenge people in later life that could lead them to either spiritual integrity or despair. Beyond the physical and psychosocial, this book shows how the journey into aging canthrough humorbecome self-transcendent and deeply spiritual in the face of physical decline. This theological perspective illustrates the full breadth of issues facing those in later life. It presents effective pastoral frameworks of care for those who struggle with the depression, dementia, disabilities, losses, and terminal illness that may accompany aging.Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair explores:humor as a path to self-transcendence in later life later life’s ’paradox of well-being’ and ’defiant power of the human spirit’ dementia and its effect on spirituality spiritual and pastoral care approaches for those with depression religiousness in older people with dementia the spiritual journey of hospice patients non-speech based pastoral care Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair provides valuable insights for aged care chaplains, parish clergy, pastoral and aged care workers, social workers, activity officers, health professionals, and anyone whose life includes an elderly person.

Humor expresses a certain heroic defiance in the face of life’s most challenging experience and provides a valuable resource for the celebration of life and the divine comedy of faith, hope, and love.From the book chapter by Melvin A. Kimble, PhDStudies have shown that as many people age, their spirituality deepens. Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair explores the challenges faced by those in later life and the use of humor for self-transcendence to achieve greater strength and deeper spirituality. Respected authorities share their insights on humor and despair in the process of spiritual development in later life, with discussions on how to provide effective pastoral practice in aged care.Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair presents the major issues that challenge people in later life that could lead them to either spiritual integrity or despair. Beyond the physical and psychosocial, this book shows how the journey into aging canthrough humorbecome self-transcendent and deeply spiritual in the face of physical decline. This theological perspective illustrates the full breadth of issues facing those in later life. It presents effective pastoral frameworks of care for those who struggle with the depression, dementia, disabilities, losses, and terminal illness that may accompany aging.Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair explores:humor as a path to self-transcendence in later life later life’s ’paradox of well-being’ and ’defiant power of the human spirit’ dementia and its effect on spirituality spiritual and pastoral care approaches for those with depression religiousness in older people with dementia the spiritual journey of hospice patients non-speech based pastoral care Spirituality of Later Life: On Humor and Despair provides valuable insights for aged care chaplains, parish clergy, pastoral and aged care workers, social workers, activity officers, health professionals, and anyone whose life includes an elderly person.

For artists, scholars, researchers, educators and students of arts theory interested in culture and the arts, a proper understanding of the questions surrounding ‘interculturality’ and the arts requires a full understanding of the creative, methodological and interconnected possibilities of theory, practice and research. The International Handbook of Intercultural Arts Research provides concise and comprehensive reviews and overviews of the convergences and divergences of intercultural arts practice and theory, offering a consolidation of the breadth of scholarship, practices and the contemporary research methodologies, methods and multi-disciplinary analyses that are emerging within this new field.

Departing Radically in Academic Writing (DRAW) seeks to show qualitative researchers that there are ways to embrace creatively alternative approaches to writing, whilst fulfilling the demands of an academic tenure system.Putting forward playful, arts-based and creative writing/fiction approaches to writing up research, the contributions in this book demonstrate how theorisation can happen in different ways, particularly, for younger career scholars struggling with their thesis submissions. Some of the contributions in the book come from those who have successfully defended a "DRAWn" thesis. Whilst this is not a handbook or "how to", it does show DRAW and radical departure work can work in practice without disadvantaging the researcher. Each chapter includes Author's Notes on the chapter and Radical Writing Prompts to stimulate creative thinking. Drawing on the work of Sara Ahmed, Ruth Behar, bell hooks, Helene Cixous, Virginia Woolf, Laurel Richardson and other literary and creative feminist, qualitative thinkers, Departing Radically in Academic Writing will appeal to graduate students and researchers in Education, the social sciences and humanities who are interested to advance critical thinking through radically departured work.

Departing Radically in Academic Writing (DRAW) seeks to show qualitative researchers that there are ways to embrace creatively alternative approaches to writing, whilst fulfilling the demands of an academic tenure system.Putting forward playful, arts-based and creative writing/fiction approaches to writing up research, the contributions in this book demonstrate how theorisation can happen in different ways, particularly, for younger career scholars struggling with their thesis submissions. Some of the contributions in the book come from those who have successfully defended a "DRAWn" thesis. Whilst this is not a handbook or "how to", it does show DRAW and radical departure work can work in practice without disadvantaging the researcher. Each chapter includes Author's Notes on the chapter and Radical Writing Prompts to stimulate creative thinking. Drawing on the work of Sara Ahmed, Ruth Behar, bell hooks, Helene Cixous, Virginia Woolf, Laurel Richardson and other literary and creative feminist, qualitative thinkers, Departing Radically in Academic Writing will appeal to graduate students and researchers in Education, the social sciences and humanities who are interested to advance critical thinking through radically departured work.

This book addresses important issues of ageing and spirituality and reflects on the impact of culture on both constructs. The papers are contemporary in that they include excerpts of cultural impact on spirituality from New Zealand, Singapore, India, United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. This book marks almost 20 years of international conferences on ageing and spirituality that commenced in January 2000. It opens the conversation to all who were part of this journey of ageing, including older people, practitioners in ageing and aged care, researchers, and those who reflect on the process of growing older. Chapters feature diverse perspectives, highlighting the need for inclusivity in conversations that surround ageing and recognize how development of cultures is influenced by the society where they emerge, and by minority groups within larger society. Chapters also note the occurrence of subcultures of ageing and aged care. The conference was held shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the chapters being written often during times of lockdown. Their content reflects the importance of spirituality in times of isolation and can show ways of reaching out to vulnerable older people, of various faiths and cultures, whatever their situations.Changing Cultures of Ageing and Spirituality will be a key resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies, Gerontology, Sociology, Psychology, Mental Health, and Nursing. The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging.

This book addresses important issues of ageing and spirituality and reflects on the impact of culture on both constructs. The papers are contemporary in that they include excerpts of cultural impact on spirituality from New Zealand, Singapore, India, United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. This book marks almost 20 years of international conferences on ageing and spirituality that commenced in January 2000. It opens the conversation to all who were part of this journey of ageing, including older people, practitioners in ageing and aged care, researchers, and those who reflect on the process of growing older. Chapters feature diverse perspectives, highlighting the need for inclusivity in conversations that surround ageing and recognize how development of cultures is influenced by the society where they emerge, and by minority groups within larger society. Chapters also note the occurrence of subcultures of ageing and aged care. The conference was held shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the chapters being written often during times of lockdown. Their content reflects the importance of spirituality in times of isolation and can show ways of reaching out to vulnerable older people, of various faiths and cultures, whatever their situations.Changing Cultures of Ageing and Spirituality will be a key resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies, Gerontology, Sociology, Psychology, Mental Health, and Nursing. The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging.

This book brings together theologians, clergy, people with dementia, carers, clinicians and others to offer a holistic, interdisciplinary exploration of dementia which focuses not only on what dementia is and what it is not, but more importantly, what it means to live well with dementia and to find hope where sometimes it feels like there is no hope.Located within practical theology and theological anthropology, the diversity of perspectives on dementia presented in this book offers deep insights into what it means to be a human being, to live humanly in the midst of difficult situations, and helps us understand and navigate the complexities of the dementia journey. In offering foundational practical and theoretical knowledge, the book helps cut through the false consciousness of modernity and enter a world where personhood is defined not by our capacities or the loss of them, but by God’s loving presence. It offers a contextual theological framework to look beyond what we assume to be obvious and to recognize the “hidden” depths that can be discovered and encountered within individuals as they journey into dementia. In doing so, it takes seriously the lived experience of people with dementia and allows that to shape, form, and perhaps reform our understandings of God, human beings, and what it means to live well. Taken as a whole, the book posits that together, we can reflect upon and act out a hopeful future that makes people’s lives meaningful, purposeful and loving even in the midst of the challenges that Dementia brings. Still Waters Run Deep will be a key resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of theology, divinity and religious studies, gerontology, psychology, mental health, and nursing. The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging.

This book brings together theologians, clergy, people with dementia, carers, clinicians and others to offer a holistic, interdisciplinary exploration of dementia which focuses not only on what dementia is and what it is not, but more importantly, what it means to live well with dementia and to find hope where sometimes it feels like there is no hope.Located within practical theology and theological anthropology, the diversity of perspectives on dementia presented in this book offers deep insights into what it means to be a human being, to live humanly in the midst of difficult situations, and helps us understand and navigate the complexities of the dementia journey. In offering foundational practical and theoretical knowledge, the book helps cut through the false consciousness of modernity and enter a world where personhood is defined not by our capacities or the loss of them, but by God’s loving presence. It offers a contextual theological framework to look beyond what we assume to be obvious and to recognize the “hidden” depths that can be discovered and encountered within individuals as they journey into dementia. In doing so, it takes seriously the lived experience of people with dementia and allows that to shape, form, and perhaps reform our understandings of God, human beings, and what it means to live well. Taken as a whole, the book posits that together, we can reflect upon and act out a hopeful future that makes people’s lives meaningful, purposeful and loving even in the midst of the challenges that Dementia brings. Still Waters Run Deep will be a key resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of theology, divinity and religious studies, gerontology, psychology, mental health, and nursing. The chapters included in this book were originally published as a special issue of Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging.

How Feminist Writing Shapes Personal and Political Narratives delves into the profound influence of female writers on the author's craft and worldview.This book, inspired by the blog "In-sister," explores the evocative writings of feminist thinkers and how their work shapes personal and political narratives. With a rich tapestry of memory, critique, and creativity, the author reflects on the transformative power of women's words across generations. This book offers readers a collection of essays that examine the writings of iconic female authors like Marilyn French, Virginia Woolf, and Hélène Cixous. It underscores the value of feminist citation as a form of memory and resistance, fostering a deep connection with the literary legacies that shape feminist discourse. Readers will find a unique blend of memoir, literary analysis, and social commentary that celebrates the radical potential of writing to inspire change and cultivate solidarity among women.This is an essential read for those interested in feminist literature, essay writing, and the intersection of personal and political narratives. It is particularly relevant for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of women's studies, literary criticism, and those seeking inspiration from the powerful voices of female writers. This book is a tribute to the enduring legacy of feminist writing and its ability to transform lives and societies.

How Feminist Writing Shapes Personal and Political Narratives delves into the profound influence of female writers on the author's craft and worldview.This book, inspired by the blog "In-sister," explores the evocative writings of feminist thinkers and how their work shapes personal and political narratives. With a rich tapestry of memory, critique, and creativity, the author reflects on the transformative power of women's words across generations. This book offers readers a collection of essays that examine the writings of iconic female authors like Marilyn French, Virginia Woolf, and Hélène Cixous. It underscores the value of feminist citation as a form of memory and resistance, fostering a deep connection with the literary legacies that shape feminist discourse. Readers will find a unique blend of memoir, literary analysis, and social commentary that celebrates the radical potential of writing to inspire change and cultivate solidarity among women.This is an essential read for those interested in feminist literature, essay writing, and the intersection of personal and political narratives. It is particularly relevant for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of women's studies, literary criticism, and those seeking inspiration from the powerful voices of female writers. This book is a tribute to the enduring legacy of feminist writing and its ability to transform lives and societies.

For artists, scholars, researchers, educators and students of arts theory interested in culture and the arts, a proper understanding of the questions surrounding ‘interculturality’ and the arts requires a full understanding of the creative, methodological and interconnected possibilities of theory, practice and research. The International Handbook of Intercultural Arts Research provides concise and comprehensive reviews and overviews of the convergences and divergences of intercultural arts practice and theory, offering a consolidation of the breadth of scholarship, practices and the contemporary research methodologies, methods and multi-disciplinary analyses that are emerging within this new field.

What does it mean to grow old? What makes later life meaningful? What gives a frail and isolated or institutionalised older person their sense of wholeness and self? This substantially updated new edition of Elizabeth MacKinlay's seminal text presents the latest theory and research to explore these questions in depth, pointing the way towards new ways of thinking about and engaging with the spirituality of ageing. Encompassing the findings of a new research study on baby boomer spirituality, the book presents a wider and more comprehensive view of ageing and spirituality, concluding that spirituality for the baby boomer generation is every bit as important as for the cohorts before them, but also fundamentally different, with fewer being practicing members of a religious faith. Drawing on in-depth interviews with older people, and containing many new ideas whilst also addressing the foundational theories and questions essential to scholarship in this field, the book also includes a new and timely chapter on the spirituality of older people in our increasingly multicultural and multifaith societies. This clear and practical text presents much-needed guidance for health and social care practitioners, chaplains, clergy and others seeking to identify and support the spiritual needs of older people, as well as students and researchers in related disciplines.

Spiritual Growth and Care in the Fourth Age of Life explores the spiritual dimension of ageing and investigates the role of pastoral and spiritual care in helping the frail elderly cope with end-of-life issues.Focusing on the experience of nursing home residents and anecdotes gathered in interviews, MacKinlay sensitively presents the struggles facing older people in need of care, such as loss of independence and privacy. Her findings show that despite ill health, loneliness and depression, older people near the end of their lives find meaning and support in (re)discovering their spirituality, and that this is not just the experience of those in care facilities, but of older people more generally. The book includes a useful chapter on spiritual assessment, providing carers with information on how to recognise the need for care.This book will be of interest to nurses, care workers, pastoral support professionals and anyone else working with older people.

Health and social care practitioners are increasingly called upon to provide care to elderly people from a number of different faiths and cultures. This collection of essays examines ageing in the context of the many faiths and cultures that make up Western society, and provides carers with the knowledge they need to deliver sensitive and appropriate care to people of all faiths. Chapters are written by authoritative figures from each of the world's major faith groups about the beliefs and practices of their older people. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist perspectives are covered, as well as those of ageing veterans and ageing religious sisters. Issues of appropriate care are also addressed, and the book includes recommendations for policy and practice. This accessible and inspiring book will be a useful text for academics, policy makers and practitioners in health and social care, aged care workers, pastoral carers, chaplains and religious professionals, in hospital, residential and other care settings.

This groundbreaking book is based on the findings of the first major study on spiritual reminiscence work with people with dementia. Carried out over a decade, the study confirmed spiritual reminiscence to be an effective means of helping people with dementia to find meaning in their own experience, and interact in meaningful ways with others. The authors present the evidence for the efficacy of spiritual reminiscence with this group, and drawing on examples demonstrate its many benefits, as revealed by the study, including the affirmation of identity and worth whilst promoting resilience and transcendence; reducing levels of depression; and giving people with dementia a voice with which to express grief, despair, joy, wisdom, insight and humour. Specific practice issues are addressed, including how to maximise communication and nurture connections during sessions; the role of symbol, ritual and liturgy and how to design an effective spiritual reminiscence program. Transcripts of sessions are included throughout the book as examples, providing unprecedented insight into how people with dementia experience spiritual reminiscence, and encouraging reflective practice. The book closes with a set of suggested questions and discussion topics which can be used as the basis of a six week program. Providing theory and the latest research as well as a wealth of practical information and examples to guide practice, this book will be of interest to dementia care practitioners and activity coordinators, pastoral carers, aged care chaplains, practical theologians, students, academics and researchers.

This sensitive and compassionate book provides older people who are nearing the end of life and their loved ones, as well as the professionals who work with them, with a greater depth of understanding of spiritual issues surrounding death and dying. Illustrated with the experiences of many older people, it explores important themes such as grief and loss; fear; pain, distress and suffering; acceptance; transcendence; prayer; the healing of relationships; and intimacy, and shows that the final journey towards death can be one of the most spiritually meaningful times in the life of an older person - a time in which there is still hope, and in which the person who is dying and their loved ones can grow spiritually, strengthened by the difficult times they face together. Spiritual issues for older people with dementia who are nearing the end of life are also explored, as are ethical and moral issues in death and dying, and the ways in which bereaved partners and relatives may come to terms with the loss of a loved one.This concise and accessible book will be a valuable resource for those in the caring professions and a rich source of guidance and support for older people who are nearing the end of life and their families.

Spiritual reminiscence is a way of communicating that acknowledges the person as a spiritual being and seeks to engage the person in a more meaningful and personal way. This practical guide teaches carers how to facilitate engaging and stimulating spiritual reminiscence sessions with older people, and particularly with people with dementia. After reading the guide, carers will understand the many and varied benefits of spiritual reminiscence, and will have developed the skills, confidence and communication techniques needed to support people with dementia in this activity. The authors present in accessible terms the evidence-base to support the benefits of the approach and provide clear, step-by-step instructions for facilitating spiritual reminiscence sessions, including useful suggestions for ideas and questions to stimulate discussion. Intended to be used either as a self-learning tool or as the basis for staff training sessions, this will be a valuable resource for staff in care homes and day centres, activity coordinators, pastoral and spiritual care professionals, clergy and spiritual leaders.

Framed around the metaphor of ‘heartlines’, the author explores autoethnographic practice as critical feminist and decolonial work and the power it holds for not only imagining a wise, ethical and loving world, but for making such a kind place possible.

The project offers a collection of new interdisciplinary critical autoethnographic engagements with Hélène Cixous écriture feminine and work Three steps on the ladder of writing. Critical autoethnography shares a reciprocal, and inter-animating relationship with Hélène Cixous’ écriture feminine (“feminine writing”), and in this collection authors explore that inter-animation by explicitly engaging with Three steps on the ladder of writing. Three steps is a poetic, insightful, and ultimately moving reflection on the writing process and explores three distinct areas essential for writing: The School of the Dead—the notion that something or someone must die in order for good writing to be born; The School of Dreams—the crucial role dreams play in literary inspiration and output; and The School of Roots—the importance of depth in the 'nether realms' in all aspects of writing. Topics covered include: ways Cixous’ work can address the need for loss and reparation in writing critical autoethnography, how Cixous’ writing “makes our body speak” through concepts of birth and the body in, through and of critical autoethnography, whether writing in this way recast and reform prevailing orders of domination and oppression, and how Cixous’ writing around the ethics of loving and giving translates into response-able and non-violent forms of critical autoethnography in relation to otherness and difference. In this collection, we invite you to “Let us go to the school of [critical autoethnographic] writing” (Cixous, 1993, p. 3) with the work of Hélène Cixous, and speak in a different way and through a different medium of academic language, in an approach that reveals the tensions, the paradoxes, the pains and the pleasures of writing with critical autoethnography in the contemporary university.

The project offers a collection of new interdisciplinary critical autoethnographic engagements with Hélène Cixous écriture feminine and work Three steps on the ladder of writing. Critical autoethnography shares a reciprocal, and inter-animating relationship with Hélène Cixous’ écriture feminine (“feminine writing”), and in this collection authors explore that inter-animation by explicitly engaging with Three steps on the ladder of writing. Three steps is a poetic, insightful, and ultimately moving reflection on the writing process and explores three distinct areas essential for writing: The School of the Dead—the notion that something or someone must die in order for good writing to be born; The School of Dreams—the crucial role dreams play in literary inspiration and output; and The School of Roots—the importance of depth in the 'nether realms' in all aspects of writing. Topics covered include: ways Cixous’ work can address the need for loss and reparation in writing critical autoethnography, how Cixous’ writing “makes our body speak” through concepts of birth and the body in, through and of critical autoethnography, whether writing in this way recast and reform prevailing orders of domination and oppression, and how Cixous’ writing around the ethics of loving and giving translates into response-able and non-violent forms of critical autoethnography in relation to otherness and difference. In this collection, we invite you to “Let us go to the school of [critical autoethnographic] writing” (Cixous, 1993, p. 3) with the work of Hélène Cixous, and speak in a different way and through a different medium of academic language, in an approach that reveals the tensions, the paradoxes, the pains and the pleasures of writing with critical autoethnography in the contemporary university.

We Only Talk Feminist Here draws upon interviews and conversations with feminist academics in Australia to demonstrate the performative and discursive moves feminist academics make in order to be heard and effectchange to the gendered status quo in Australian higher education.