Feminists in Social Theory (FIST)

Before becoming officially part of TASA in 1991, the momentum behind the Women's section overflowed into a number of feminist reading groups, of which FIST (Feminists In Social Theory) was perhaps the most organised – with a constitution and monthly newsletter (1981-1985) (Richmond 2005:60). The group, who were members of SAANZ and referred to themselves as ‘fisters’, attended regular meetings on the campus of Swinburne University (FIST Newsletter, 1 October 1981). Their lively monthly discussions traversed new developments in feminist theory with the hope of precipitating what Patricia Gowland, in a FIST discussion paper, described as ‘a furious feminist ferment of discussion among the women of SAANZ’ (FIST Discussion Paper, 21st June 1981: 2). The tradition of the Women’s Day no longer continues at TASA, though a Women’s Breakfast or Women’s Evening may make a welcome appearance on the annual conference program. 
Click here to access FIST newsletters