Reading & Research Group
Join our virtual monthly meetings to learn and discuss feminist psychology, critical psychology, gender, sexuality, violence, trauma, neurodiversity, disability, and more!
Testimonials
"The group fosters an environment characterised by openness, efficacy, and safety while facilitating the exchange of ideas and enabling a comprehensive exploration of topics within the mental health industry."
"The group serves as an excellent platform for research, focusing on the enhancement of existing systems, identification of shortcomings, and strategising on how to advance and improve therapy methods and its societal impacts."
Background
When I was a PhD student at Manchester Metropolitan University I coordinated the Feminist Reading and Research Group and delivered several seminars at the Discourse Unit. They are spaces for students and faculty to meet regularly and discuss critical psychology and discourse analysis, as well as feminist theory and research.
They offer more than that though, they are spaces and communities that provide education, mentorship, encouragement, and feedback. They broaden ideas and concepts and take individual postgraduate students out of isolated independent study and into a group of fellow academics and activists who share a similar passion for critical and feminist research.
They offer a similar connection for longstanding academics, too often buried under marking and admin to have protected time for open discussion or reading. Faculty can lack regular support for writing commitments and publishing aspirations.
For those early on in their academic or publishing career, these spaces offer opportunities to get advice from others with more experience. For people who are self-taught or doing their own self-directed study, it can provide a group to learn from, provide your own insights to, and bounce ideas off.
I've found over time that others (and myself) missed having access to that kind of space once we had moved on from our studies. We missed having somewhere to share our frustration or difficulties working in anti-feminist or sexist environments, or to seek feedback on a draft paper in a compassionate and supportive setting.
Most often it was somewhere to learn and educate - a non-hierarchical group where people could bring papers or concepts that they were struggling to understand and they could either learn together as a group, or others could share their knowledge.
So I decided to pick up my coordinator hat once again and create a space here at psygentra - one where folks can learn about critical psychology, qualitative research, feminism(s), and feminist psychology. Somewhere they can discover new work and theories, recommend readings they love or can't stand, get advice and feedback on projects they are working on, and connect with others.
- jem
Available OnlineA friendly and supportive space to discuss readings and ask questions.
15 Canadian dollars
What to Expect
Multimedia
While the focus of the group is reading, other formats are included too - such as movies or documentaries to watch, or podcast episodes for you to listen to.
Soft Start Times
To make our groups more accessible, we provide a time range when the meeting can begin. You can arrive up to 15 minutes either side of the stated start time without missing core content.
Multiple Communication Styles
There is no expectation or pressure to speak during meetings, and non-verbal forms of communication are welcomed (such as text or hand gestures).
Go off Script
We don't have agendas or strict outlines of things that need to be covered during groups. We encourage fluid and organic communication, so if the discussion moves in a different direction but you're interested in it - that's fine.
No End Time
To make sure that groups are flexible for your individual needs, there is no hard end time. You can choose to stay on after others have left if you are enjoying the content. You can also leave whenever you like.
Small Group Size
Groups are limited to a maximum of five people at a time to ensure that there is time for everyone to participate, and to create a non-intimidating and supportive space.
Privacy
Groups are not recorded or shared afterwards. You can talk about what interests you and you don't have to worry about asking an embarrassing question or turning into a viral meme.
No Hate
These groups have a zero tolerance for racism, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, ableism, classism, and rape apologism. We will help those working on unlearning oppressive ideas, but for those who are hostile or questions the rights or existence of others, they'll get blocked pretty damn quick.
