The Social Justice Lecture Series brings to MNSU and the broader Mankato community speakers and workshops that address social justice issues. This series is an initiative of the Department of Sociology and Corrections at MNSU. For each talk we seek to partner with other MNSU departments, student groups, and community organizations.
If you would like to get emails about future talks in the series or would like to collaborate to put together a future lecture or workshop, please contact Dr. Carol Glasser at carol.glasser@mnsu.edu.
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Secrets, Sexuality and Solutions in Sierra Leone: The Role FGM Plays in Shaping Lives in Modern West African Tribes
Nina Smart
This talk explores the human rights violation known as female genital mutilation (FGM) in the context of today's Sierra Leonean society. The role of women and men in protecting and perpetuating this harmful traditional practice is addressed in the complexity of this global issue, which is deeply experienced at the local level. Challenges faced by reformers and effective solutions to ameliorate this problem are presented to encourage participation in the process of ending FGM in Sierra Leone. The role of Ebola epidemics in reshaping locals' view about the FGM practice and international attention via INGOs conclude the talk.
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How Fair is Fair? Social Justice and the Fair Trade Movement
Mark Hudson and Mara Fridell
Does fair trade facilitate social justice? Mark Hudson and Mara Fridell, co-authors of Fair Trade, Sustainability, and Social Change, will discuss the potential of fair trade as a means of poverty alleviation, and as a means of revealing the people, relationships, and environments that lie behind the commodities we often unthinkingly consume. While contending that fair trade is well-positioned to help advance social justice goals, the authors highlight the limits of fair trade as a movement and a mechanism that is embedded in the market. Drawing on political economy and social movement theory, the talk will chart the recent trajectory of the fair trade movement, indicating its impressive success, as well as some troubling signs for the future of fair trade’s ability to realize its potential.
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Total Liberation
David Naguib Pellow
Dr. Pellow brings to light the violent relationship between humans and nonhuman animals within the ecosystems we share. Total Liberation is a shared vision within Animal Rights and Green movements to expand our knowledge and challenge the inequality brought forth by human action.
https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/total-liberation
