In a thought-provoking research talk, Dr. Abosede Priscilla Ipadeola explored the intricate relationship between African feminism, care ethics, and cultural practices, particularly focusing on women’s agency within traditional caregiving roles. Her discussion illuminated the nuanced ways in which feminist philosophy intersects with African cultural values and practices.

Agency and Caregiving

Dr. Ipadeola presented a nuanced perspective on caregiving practices, arguing that they should not be automatically categorized as oppressive when women perform them within the domain of agency. The critical distinction, she emphasized, lies in whether these practices preserve women’s autonomy and fundamental rights. This position acknowledges both the value of caregiving and the importance of personal choice, suggesting that the practice becomes problematic only when it is coerced or imposed.

“A practice is not oppressive when women perform these practices or rules within their domain of agency. When it does not take away their autonomy, when it does not take away their rights as women, […] when they are not coerced to do it, when they are not forced to do it, it does not negate their autonomy, it does not negate their freedom.”
— Abosede Ipadeola

Cultural Dynamism and Feminist Critique

A central theme in Dr. Ipadeola’s discussion was the dynamic nature of culture. She challenged static interpretations of cultural practices, emphasizing that culture itself is evolving and subject to critical reflection. As an African feminist, she advocates for questioning traditional practices while acknowledging their potential value, demonstrating how cultural critique can coexist with cultural appreciation.

“Culture itself is not something static. It is dynamic. It keeps evolving. People reflect on it, people think about what they are doing.” — Abosede Ipadeola

Intersections with Western Feminist Thought

The discussion revealed important parallels with Western feminist philosophy, particularly in care ethics. As noted by Professor Anke Graness during the dialogue, care ethics has long been a component of Western feminist thought, working to challenge hierarchies that traditionally placed rationality above care in philosophical discourse. This convergence highlights the global relevance of these discussions while maintaining sensitivity to local contexts.

Philosophical Innovations: Ancestralism and Ethics

Dr. Ipadeola introduced her developing concept of “ancestralism,” which offers a unique perspective on ethical behavior rooted in African philosophical thought. This framework considers how actions affect not only the present but future generations, providing a distinctive moral foundation that combines traditional African wisdom with contemporary ethical discourse. This approach demonstrates how African philosophical traditions can contribute to broader ethical discussions. As Abosede tried to show, Ancestralism can provide an alternative perspective on how moral actions are formed:

“Whatever you do, if you do something wrong, if it does not affect you, it is definitely going to affect your children and grandchildren. So because of that, and maybe it doesn’t make sense to us, but some people are actually acting in a moral way because they are conscious of this.” – Abosede Ipadeola

Practical Philosophy and Lived Experience

The talk emphasized the importance of connecting theoretical philosophical concepts with lived experience. While practitioners of care may not explicitly frame their work in philosophical terms, their experiences and practices contribute valuable insights to philosophical discussions about care, ethics, and political philosophy. This research talk demonstrates the ongoing importance of developing philosophical frameworks that can accommodate both universal principles and culturally specific understandings. It highlights how African feminist philosophy can contribute to global philosophical discussions while maintaining its distinctive perspective and insights.