Gendering Practices took Chisato from Japan to Gothenburg

Gendering Practices is one of the international master’s programmes given at the Faculty of Humanities, attended by students from across the world. Chisato Namatsu from Japan had already been considering proceeding on to a post-graduate level after having previously completed a degree in Global studies in their home country. Gender perspectives having had been a primary focus of their bachelor studies, the interest in the discipline was always there, even after starting working in a different field. Eventually, however, they decided to return to academia to pursue a career in Gender studies.

As Chisato explains, educations wholly dedicated to Gender studies as a science in Japan are virtually non-existent. Consequently, their decision to continue studying abroad was more or less a no-brainer. Curiosity towards Scandinavian culture prompted them to look into educational options in Finland and Sweden, where the Gendering Practices programme at the University of Gothenburg caught their attention.

– Both the content of the programme and the teachers’ profiles as well as subjects they are occupied with were among the things I found really interesting, Chisato says. I got the feeling that the environment is safe and stimulating for studying.

Environment is more relaxing and non-hierarchical

But then, what it is like moving from one end of the world to another, swapping Japan for life on the Swedish west coast? The cold is without a doubt a factor, even though Chisato had anticipated worse temperatures. The fact that most conversations can be held in English is an obvious benefit, of course. Chisato also hails the study environment at the University of Gothenburg as a whole and points out the opportunity given to each student to be independent, to structure and critically evaluate one’s studies.

– The study environment is more relaxing and non-hierarchical in Sweden than in Japan, lots of room for your own individual opinions to be heard, Chisato says.

They continues, reflecting upon their own field of study:

– Gender equality is at a high level in Sweden, while it is not entirely free of issues. So the fact that the programme features a mix of international and Swedish students makes it easier to exchange experiences and to reflect upon the Swedish context from a critical perspective.

According to Chisato, there are many advantages with the way the programme is structured. During the first semester, courses have not been overlapping with each other. Having time to finish one task before commencing the next one is a major advantage, they points out. Lectures and seminars make up the week, while the schedule sometimes gives room for guest lectures, as teachers have visited from other universities, Norway being one example. Between classes, students have ample room for mutual enlightenment. Commenting on each other’s assignments, passing on feedback, examining critical theories and looking up important concepts.

Furthermore, one of the core issues that students analyse on the programme is the distribution of power relations. Here, Chisato draws attention to the lecturers teaching at the programme and the way in which they could be said to exert power in the classroom.

– Teachers have the power to assess, to question and to hand out grades, they says. But what really stands out is the way in which they treat all students’ opinions as equal, consider them to be valid contributions to the discipline. All of our reflections are given considerable attention. This makes you feel more relaxed and comfortable entering discussions in the classroom.

Eyes a PhD in Gender Studies

For Chisato, the start of their second semester is fast approaching. Courses dealing with body politics and critical policy are waiting around the corner. The upcoming autumn semester will present students with the opportunity to make practical use of course content as they are due to find an internship position. Chisato has already begun making post-graduation plans, aiming to further advance their academic career by pursuing a PhD.

– I want to devote myself to researching trans issues and issues surrounding the experiences of non-binary people, Chisato explains. I wouldn’t mind staying abroad applying for a position at a university in Sweden or Europe. It would also be interesting to examine gender and LGBTQI issues working for a non-governmental organization (NGO).

When asked to stress a particular aspect of the programme that they think makes it stand out, Chisato is quick again to highlight its international study environment.

– We study in Sweden and of course immerse ourselves in western culture. But with students from all over the world, we gain perspectives from near and far, from Africa to Asia. There will always be a mix of cultural insights and various approaches to power relations, which feels very stimulating, Chisato concludes.

Text: Erik Pedersen

More information

Read more about the Gendering Practices master’s programme on GU.se.