Ethnology, History of Religions and Gender Studies

It’s not every day one has the opportunity to really ‘think with’ in
real life someone who is a great source of intellectual inspiration.
It’s a rare gift and should be honoured as such. During the spring
of 2007 we were a number of people at the Centre for Gender
Studies at Stockholm University who had this unique opportunity
when Professor Beverley Skeggs was the Kerstin Hesselgren
Professor at the Centre.
This collection of essays is the result of a workshop with
Professor Beverley Skeggs: The Beverley Skeggs Workshop
as it was called by us. We wanted to take the opportunity
to continue the inspiring process that Professor Beverley
Skeggs started in the workshop, and which was related to her
generous and open attitude as a researcher. And what better
way than to write about it? We also wanted to document this
enriching experience. And, of course, we also wanted to take
the opportunity to say thank you!
What does ‘Thinking with Beverley Skeggs’ mean? Beverley
Skeggs herself often used the expression ‘to think with’, and
what is more important: practised ‘Thinking With’ as a method.
We were encouraged to think with her, and engage in a critical
and open dialogue with each other and all the texts that we read
and discussed. Ideally this should be part of our everyday praxis
at the university, but as we all know this is not often the case.
We therefore want to put forward ‘Thinking With’ as a model
for seminars, workshops and literature reviews. To us, ‘Thinking
With’ is a way of practising feminist methodology.

The Correct Body for Integration and Work An ethnological study of courses for newly arrived and jobseekers   Karin Högström   Using ethnographic examples from Sweden this article focuses on a form of training through which people are taught new movements and postures to use during different processes; it also includes transmission of certain attitudes and ideals. These examples demonstrate how certain bodies, bodily attitudes and behaviors are perceived as problematic and are therefore considered in need of change. In the integration-project Right step (Rätt steg) in Stockholm, great emphasis is placed on bodily aspects. Newly arrived Somali refugees without previous education are assisted to practice “correct” behavior and posture during job interviews: stand and walk upright, make eye-contact and give a firm handshake. Participants are also encouraged to eat healthier and exercise more. Courses at the Swedish Public Employment Agency instruct jobseekers how to make a good impress...