Building Bridges Across Borders: The Transnational Impact of Polish Feminism in the UK

Magdalena Muszel

Building Bridges Across Borders: The Transnational Impact of Polish Feminism in the UK

Publication date: 04.12.2024

Teoria Polityki, 2024, Nr 9/2024, pp. 207-230

https://doi.org/10.4467/25440845TP.24.023.20719

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Building Bridges Across Borders: The Transnational Impact of Polish Feminism in the UK

Abstract

This article explores the dynamic realm of transnational feminist activism, focusing on the contributions of Polish feminists in the United Kingdom. It delves into the profound ways in which these activists have engaged with and influenced the broader feminist movement within their host country. The article begins by contextualizing the rise of transnational cooperation among feminist groups, underscoring the universal relevance of issues such as violence against women, systemic discrimination, and reproductive rights. Central to this exploration is the significant wave of Polish migration to the UK post-2004, leading to a substantial Polish diaspora actively participating in feminist dialogues. This participation is further amplified by key political events in Poland, particularly in 2016 and 2020, which saw attempts by the Polish government to restrict reproductive rights, igniting protests and mobilization among Polish feminists both domestically and in the diaspora. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted feminist activism of Polish migrants in the UK, which extends beyond the realm of reproductive rights to broader feminist and pro-democracy activities. This intersectional approach not only enriches their activism but also facilitates the exchange of ideas, strategies, and resources, creating a robust network of support and action that transcends national boundaries. Through qualitative methodologies, including in-depth ethnographic interviews with feminist activists, this study reveals the complexities of operating within transnational social fields, negotiating multiple identities, and engaging in feminist activism across borders. The findings highlight the strategic vision of Polish feminists in the UK, their responsiveness to socio-political changes in Poland, and their significant role in shaping global feminist discourses and strategies.

Keywords

transnational feminism, feminist movements, intersectionality, migration

References

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Information

Information: Teoria Polityki, 2024, Nr 9/2024, pp. 207-230

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4467/25440845TP.24.023.20719

Article type: Original article

Authors

Magdalena Muszel

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5800-6630

University of Gdansk
Jana Bażyńskiego 8, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland

Published at: 04.12.2024

Article status: Open

Licence: CC BY

Percentage share of authors:

Magdalena Muszel (Author) - 100%

Information about author:

Magdalena Muszel – PhD in Social and Political Sciences from the European University Institute, Florence. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Gdańsk on the „Feminist Movements Revitalizing Democracy in Europe (FIERCE)” project funded by Horizon Europe (2021–2025). Her research interests include feminist movements, political activism, and the transnational dimensions of social movements, particularly Polish migrant activism. As President of Fundacja Zatoka, she oversees social research and educational projects, including international study programs. Muszel has collaborated on multiple international research projects and published extensively on feminist activism, gender politics, and anti-gender movements in Europe.

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English

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Building Bridges Across Borders: The Transnational Impact of Polish Feminism in the UK

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