Feminism, Disability Rights, Activism and Academia in Scotland: A Personal Reflection on ‘Velvet Triangles’ in Practice

Abstract

In this article the author critically reflects on her experiences as an academic and feminist/disability rights activist in Scottish civic society. She draws on ideas about a ‘velvet triangle’ – a co-operative constellation of academics, policy makers and activists – that exists in Scottish feminist policy circles. She explores the tensions between co-operative governance with the Scottish Government and the need for civic society to be an independent critic of policy makers. She is critical of co-operative constellations that in her experience can act as closed elite networks, prioritising some voices over others. She calls for a wider group of feminist activists and academics to be involved in Scottish policy making.