Who gave you permission? Norms, Agency and Other Awkward Questions

The conference examines the power structures embedded in gendered, romantic, and sexual relations. Bringing together perspectives form ethics, social philosophy, political philosophy, feminist  and gender theory - the conference investigates questions surrounding consent, agency, objectification, and interpersonal recognition. Particular attention is given to how social norms shape desire, autonomy, vulnerability, and the negotiation of boundaries. By confronting the "awkward questions" surrounding power, sexuality, and social expectation, the conference seeks to open critical discussion on the conditions, under which relationships become respectful, exploitative, liberating, or harmful.