Political Science going Trans*/Trans* Studies Challenging Political Science

Abstract

This panel will discuss the possible implications of integrating trans* perspectives and trans* issues in mainstream political science theories. In so doing, it will broaden the content of political science key concepts, bring different groups to visibility and contest concepts that may be exclusive to specific political agents as well as groups with established forms of agency. Including trans* perspectives may shed new light on theories of the welfare state, democracy and suggest different approaches to citizenship regimes. One of the central questions trans* studies pose to political science is how pol. sci. theories take different differences into account. Another important area of research we want to see discussed is gender equality when gender is not a binary. In other words: What is changing in political science if you look at it through a trans* lens? A second aim of the panel is to go forward with a book on trans* studies’ perspectives which draws on, and contributes to, political science theories and praxis.