How do we conceptually understand agency in conditions of deep inequality and structural constraint? In academic, activist and policy circles alike there has been a re-focusing of attention onto women as agents rather than as passive victims. However, the concept of agency remains inadequately problematised and theorised. In this reading group we aim to explore what agency means to women themselves and what the possibilities of agency are in situations of constraint by engaging with scholarship in different disciplinary traditions including feminist theory, social psychology and critical development studies.

The reading group will meet fortnightly at Christ’s college (room Z3) and refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in joining, please email Saloni Atal at: ssa46@cam.ac.uk and I will send you more information about the group.