I'd like to write here about what and why we are doing this:
As part of my final coursework for a class I'm taking for my MA degree called “Critical Pedagogy in Contested Spaces”, I have the task of working with a collaborator (Carrie) on the idea of a “contested space”. In the course, we looked at conflict spaces such as Belfast in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. We then looked at how art and artists work have influenced and represented these contested spaces. Finally, we were asked to reflect critically on our own pedagogical practice and connect our research to the contested spaces in our own lives, in our own teaching and with the students we work with.
For my collaborative project with Carrie, we are looking at how with parenthood our marriage has become a contested space. This blog is one part of our work and uses the idea of feeding ourselves good food as a way of nurturing our bodies and our relationship.
Some of the questions we'll be asking ourselves as we work are:
This project is about exploring the contested space of parenthood and marriage. It is about critically evaluating where we are, who we are and what our marriage has become since we became parents two years ago. Through our work we will rediscover our intentions and reclaim our identities both individually and as a couple. As we continue this work, we hope to reconfigure the space of our marriage toward a more integrated family life.
P.S. For those following our blog who have some thoughts on these questions, please share a comment with us.
As part of my final coursework for a class I'm taking for my MA degree called “Critical Pedagogy in Contested Spaces”, I have the task of working with a collaborator (Carrie) on the idea of a “contested space”. In the course, we looked at conflict spaces such as Belfast in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. We then looked at how art and artists work have influenced and represented these contested spaces. Finally, we were asked to reflect critically on our own pedagogical practice and connect our research to the contested spaces in our own lives, in our own teaching and with the students we work with.
For my collaborative project with Carrie, we are looking at how with parenthood our marriage has become a contested space. This blog is one part of our work and uses the idea of feeding ourselves good food as a way of nurturing our bodies and our relationship.
Some of the questions we'll be asking ourselves as we work are:
- How is the space of a marriage created by the two individuals in it? What does the current space of our marriage look like?
- How does introducing the new roles of being parents create tension and division within this space?
- How can these tensions and divisions be acknowledged and worked on through art, spiritual and social practice and pedagogy?
- How has becoming a parent been traumatic?
- How have we experienced loss in our marriage due to parenthood?
- What effect does parenthood have on our individual and collective identities?
This project is about exploring the contested space of parenthood and marriage. It is about critically evaluating where we are, who we are and what our marriage has become since we became parents two years ago. Through our work we will rediscover our intentions and reclaim our identities both individually and as a couple. As we continue this work, we hope to reconfigure the space of our marriage toward a more integrated family life.
P.S. For those following our blog who have some thoughts on these questions, please share a comment with us.
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