Contouring and nudging youth sexuality assemblages in Aruba
A BSA New Materialisms Study Group Event
26 October 2026 (14:00-15:00 GMT)
Online
About the Event
Speaker: Dr Elizabeth Ascroft
Abstract
Drawing on Baldacchino's idea that islandness can 'contour and nudge' behaviour, this paper uses assemblage theory to explore how island life shapes young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Aruba. Over 18 months of arts-based participatory research with 12 young people aged 14–17, I traced how colonial legacies, religious institutions, redo (gossip culture) and reputation politics work together to limit what young people can say and do. These dynamics feed silence about sexual violence, restrict access to services and constrain the expression of gender and sexuality diversity.
The paper closes by considering what this means for sexual health and education provision in a small island context where anonymity is rare and surveillance is pervasive.
Registration
This event is free to attend but registration is required.