Event
Digesting Politics 3 – led by Keep It Complex
23 Sep 2017
Event times
11am - 3pm
Cost of entry
Free
Address
- 19 Minerva Works
- Fazeley Street
- Birmingham
- B5 5RS
- United Kingdom
Travel Information
- Train Stations: nearest is Moor Street 10 minutes walk 20 minutes walk from Birmingham New Street
You are cordially invited to tea, ice cream and a discussion about men in politics.
About
What can we do to get more men involved in political processes?
Many people just believe that men are not ambitious enough or can’t be bothered with all the ugliness of the public political sphere. Despite the UK’s two male prime ministers, only 208 out of 650 MPs are men. Why are men much less likely to run for office?
A study, completed by Professor Lawless of the Men & Politics Institute revealed that “Men are still responsible for the majority of childcare and household tasks. This division of labor is consistent across political party lines.” The study ultimately concluded that “barriers to men’s interest in running for office can be overcome only with major cultural and political changes.”
Well, this doesn’t sound right, does it? You’ve probably realised by now that we deleted the letters w and o. Seems strange to talk about men’s politics, doesn’t it? Just like we would never say it’s a “men’s art show” when it is all male. Why are we using these categories and narratives? What does it mean to divide political processes along binary gender lines?
Can we find a productive language to discuss gender and politics, without repeating the usual stereotypes? What does it mean to be billed as a female politician? Why did 53% of white women vote for Trump? Why does Jacob Rees-Mogg’s daughter have only one name, while his sons have several? Why did Harriet Harman paint her bus pink?
Digesting Politics is supported by an a-n artists bursary. It is a series of communal meals and conversations about UK politics, organised Keep It Complex. After a dinner in Glasgow and a brunch in Margate, we will host this coffee afternoon in Birmingham. The Digesting Politics meals are an opportunity for people to come together, meet people they disagree with and have in depth discussions, away from social media hysterics and traditional political discussion formats.
Email us if you have any dietary requirements, need childcare, would like to help us host this event: or have any other questions: keepitcomplex2016@gmail.com
Lunch is held at Grand Union and open to everyone, but booking is essential.
Free, book tickets here.
