by Jenthe Blockx, University of Antwerp

In this presentation, Jenthe Blockx will present her research findings from her master thesis on the impact of Covid-19, and the following measures, on transnational, intimate relationships. Starting from the notion of ‘intimacy’, this research looks at the experience of separation in transnational relationships, which leads to an exploration of a dynamic alteration between distance and closeness. Being separated over a transnational space, these intimate relationships are objected to different possibilities and constraints for the enactment of intimacy. On one hand, the possibilities for transnational intimacy are explored, by paying attention to how intimacy is mediated by and enacted through the use of digital media and the Internet. On the other hand, there is a multi-layeredness of constraining factors at play in the enactment of intimacy beyond borders, which are intertwined with relationships of power. The state plays an important role in the prohibition of transnational relationships’ mobilities and intimacies, however, infrastructures, economic and financial situations can be constraining factors too. Furthermore, in this research, the action possibilities in this constraining structure are explored, and how digital media can serve as a platform for political mobilisation.

Jenthe Blockx is currently doing her second master degree program in Visual Culture and Film Studies at the University of Antwerp. She recently obtained her master degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology at KULeuven.

BelMix research team

Monday 20th December 2021, 10AM-11AM

Online on Zoom

Registration link: Here