Intimacy and Injury: In the Wake of #Metoo in India and South Africa

India and South Africa are known as the "rape capitals of the world" due to high levels of gender-based and sexual violence. Despite this, both countries have a long history of resisting such violence. The book "Intimacy and Injury" explores histories of feminist organizing in both countries and how newer strategies have extended or limited these struggles. It provides comparative, interdisciplinary, ethnographically rich, and analytically astute reflections on #MeToo, contributing to transnational feminist knowledge and solidarity in the global south.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Both India and South Africa have earned the dubious distinction of being known as the world's "rape capitals," characterized by pervasive levels of gender-based and sexual violence in everyday life. Despite their shared history of resistance against such violence, which is deeply entrenched in patriarchal, settler colonial, and class and caste privilege cultures, both countries have faced significant challenges in addressing this issue.

In the context of the #MeToo movement, this book delves into the histories of feminist organizing in both India and South Africa. It explores how newer strategies have either extended or limited these struggles, providing valuable insights into the evolving political landscape surrounding gender-based violence in the global south.

"Intimacy and Injury" is a timely and insightful exploration of a shifting political field around gender-based violence in the global south. By proposing comparative, interdisciplinary, ethnographically rich, and analytically astute reflections on #MeToo, the book offers new and potentially transformative directions to scholarly debates. It contributes to the building of transnational feminist knowledge and solidarity in and across the global south.

Through its comprehensive analysis, the book sheds light on the complex interplay of cultural, social, economic, and political factors that contribute to gender-based violence. It highlights the resilience and creativity of feminist movements in both countries, as they navigate the challenges posed by patriarchal structures, colonial legacies, and economic inequalities.

The book also explores the challenges and opportunities that the #MeToo movement has brought to the forefront. It examines how the movement has galvanized women and marginalized communities to speak out against violence and demand change, while also raising concerns about the potential backlash and limitations of such campaigns.

Furthermore, "Intimacy and Injury" offers valuable insights into the role of media, technology, and social media in shaping public discourse and mobilizing support for gender-based violence prevention. It explores how the viral nature of the #MeToo movement has facilitated the sharing of stories and the building of solidarity among survivors, while also raising questions about the ethical implications of such activism.

In conclusion, "Intimacy and Injury" is a crucial contribution to the field of gender studies and feminist scholarship. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the histories, struggles, and opportunities surrounding gender-based violence in India and South Africa. By offering comparative perspectives and interdisciplinary insights, the book contributes to the building of transnational feminist knowledge and solidarity in the global south.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 139 x 217 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526178725