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Global Intimacies: Sex, Power, Gender and Migration

Study the evolution of intimacy in the context of global capitalism and probe the intersections of sex, love, labour and mobility.

1,066 enrolled on this course

A non-stereotypical sketch of people
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

Explore how freedom of movement impacts sex, gender and our ideas of intimacy

In this time of global capitalism, travelling between countries for work and leisure is common. Global mobility has blurred the boundary between strangers and changed the meaning of intimacy.

This course will develop your understanding of how our notions of intimacy have been changed by the intersection of money, mobility, and power with gender, love, and sex.

Discover the socio-cultural impact of migration, from domestic work to sex work

Through an exploration of common migration practices in society today, you’ll explore the shifting meaning of intimacy.

As you explore ideas on gender migration and domestic service, you’ll consider the millions working abroad in intimate settings as nannies or caretakers, as well as those in cross-border marriages, and living in transnational families.

You’ll also discuss LGBTQ+ migrants, sex tourism, and overseas surrogacy as you examine how global mobility is challenging traditional ideas of femininity and masculinity.

Explore feminism, queer and gender studies, globalisation, and migration studies concepts

You’ll be introduced to scholarly approaches to gender and queer studies, as well as ethnographic case-studies on globalisation and migration.

You’ll analyse how capitalism and its resulting economic disparity is challenging our concept of love, labour, and sex and ponder the agency of the individual in a capitalist society.

Learn with cultural anthropology and gender studies expert, Francisca Y K Lai

Holding a PhD in cultural anthropology with an emphasis on gender studies from Purdue University, Francisca is highly experienced in the intersection between gender, sexuality, and migration.

Francisca has also published an academic book as well as multiple international journals on the topics of gender, sexuality, and migration.

Skip to 0 minutes and 9 seconds Hello, my name is Francisca. I am a cultural anthropologist, with a research interest on gender and sexuality studies, and migration studies. I am very happy to know that you are interested about the topic of global intimacies. And now I want you to think about your personal experience. Um, have you ever considered to have a foreigner live with you and take care of your parents? Have you ever been attracted by a foreigner, and wanted to marry him or her? Besides, do you want to know more about LGBT migrants and refugees? And also, do you want to know more about transnational surrogacy?

Skip to 0 minutes and 53 seconds If you really want to know more about the topics, then I will encourage you to take this course and learn with me.

What topics will you cover?

1) Examine the changing notions of intimacy in a globalizing world.

2) Topics will include: (a) domestic work, (b) LGBT migrants, (c) sex tourism, (d) cross-border marriages, and (e) overseas surrogacy.

3) Approaches of feminism, queer studies, globalization, and migration studies will be examined.

4) Learning materials will be provided with a focus on ethnographic case studies.

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore ideas on gender, sexuality, money, mobility, and intimacy from a socio-cultural perspective.
  • Discuss how global mobility is challenging traditional ideas of femininity and masculinity.
  • Investigate the agency of the individual in a capitalist society.
  • Reflect on personal values and respect others who have different values and ideas.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in gender studies, sexuality issues, and migration studies.

It will be of particular interest to those with an academic interest in the intersections of sex, love, and labour in the context of global capitalism.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

National Tsing Hua University (NTHU)

National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan consistently ranks as one of the premier universities in East Asia.

  • Established

    1956
  • Location

    Taiwan
  • World ranking

    Top 170Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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