The purpose of this lecture is to explore mobility, and particularly the politics of mobility, through specific figures who are formed through and marked by their mobility and immobility. These are the figures of the citizen and the vagabond. The paper builds on the foundational work of Zygmunt Bauman and his discussion of the Tourist and the Vagabond. In his accounts the focus is on levels of volition in the mobility of the figures, alongside the pleasure, or lack of pleasure associated with mobility. In my account, building on citizenship studies, the figures are mapped on to a continuum of power and participation in civil society and everyday life. The paper is illustrated by historical and contemporary case studies.
Tim Cresswell is Oglive Professor of Geography at the University of Edinburgh. Trained as a cultural geographer, his research focuses on the intersections of space, place and mobility in social and cultural contexts. His work has been fundamental in theorizing the meaning of mobilities and mobile practices in relation to power dynamics.
The lecture will be in-person only. If you are interested in attending, please register by sending an email to jana.donat@univie.ac.at. Please note that attendance requires a 2G status (vaccinated or recovered from COVID) and the wearing of FFP2-masks throughout the event.
