Feminist Academics Strategically Playing Offense/Defense in Pursue of Academic and Societal Change

ABSTRACT In this intimate-insider study on feminist activists in Icelandic academia we build on Hark’s theoretical concept of the precarious precondition for change. We unpack the concept and apply it to our own research, revealing how feminist scholars dissent to the masculinized neoliberal academic game in pursue of creating change. The findings reveal how the women play their own offence/defence game within the established rules of the academic game. They utilize strategies, both inside and outside of the academia, to guard their discipline, create a ripple effect and handle and control criticism. Moreover, the findings point to the internalized and individuated nature of feminist activism in this setting and the emotional and socio-political costs it entails. Without game plan and accompanying strategies chances for feminist success and change are slim, as there is the constant threat of becoming absorbed or wiped out by the ruling neoliberal game and male biased system.