Alternative Learning Space-An extraordinary experience in the feminist bookstore of Taiwan

Location

DeSantis Room 1053

Format Type

Plenary

Format Type

Paper

Start Date

15-1-2020 4:30 PM

End Date

15-1-2020 4:50 PM

Abstract

Base on the researches of the alternative learning environments, the bookstore is one of the promising spatialities. In historical studies, bookstores are the intermediary between customers and objects. Recent studies reveal that independent bookstores have declined drastically due to the competition of large chain bookstores in Taiwan while e-books are gaining popularity. For this reason, the majority of independent bookstores now face intense market competition. We conducted an in-depth interview with a feminist bookstore that appealed to women. The respondents of the interview comprise the owner, two staff and five customers. The bookstore offers a welcoming atmosphere, featuring a comfortable and cozy environment with eclectic furnishing and hand-written signs for proprietary products on display. The findings of the present study illustrate surprising results. The researcher conducted the research in the feminist bookstore with emphasis placed on the intense interaction of the LGBTQ communities in such space.

On the one hand, the bookstore holds various seminars to address feminism topics, women's health care issues and gender equality. On the other hand, the bookstore becomes a matchmaking venue for LGBTQs. Another finding suggests that the bookstore faces a critical financial issue in continual operation. Nonetheless, many customers show support for the bookstore through generous spending. The bookstore is impelled to offer feminism books written by female writers for women in the long run.

Keywords

Feminist Bookstores, LGBTQ, Gender Equality

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Jan 15th, 4:30 PM Jan 15th, 4:50 PM

Alternative Learning Space-An extraordinary experience in the feminist bookstore of Taiwan

DeSantis Room 1053

Base on the researches of the alternative learning environments, the bookstore is one of the promising spatialities. In historical studies, bookstores are the intermediary between customers and objects. Recent studies reveal that independent bookstores have declined drastically due to the competition of large chain bookstores in Taiwan while e-books are gaining popularity. For this reason, the majority of independent bookstores now face intense market competition. We conducted an in-depth interview with a feminist bookstore that appealed to women. The respondents of the interview comprise the owner, two staff and five customers. The bookstore offers a welcoming atmosphere, featuring a comfortable and cozy environment with eclectic furnishing and hand-written signs for proprietary products on display. The findings of the present study illustrate surprising results. The researcher conducted the research in the feminist bookstore with emphasis placed on the intense interaction of the LGBTQ communities in such space.

On the one hand, the bookstore holds various seminars to address feminism topics, women's health care issues and gender equality. On the other hand, the bookstore becomes a matchmaking venue for LGBTQs. Another finding suggests that the bookstore faces a critical financial issue in continual operation. Nonetheless, many customers show support for the bookstore through generous spending. The bookstore is impelled to offer feminism books written by female writers for women in the long run.