Why Loiter? | Shilpa Phadke | TEDxStXaviersMumbai

In her TEDx talk, Phadke as a sociologist carefully dissects the intertwining of gender in urban spaces. Through this, she pursues the concepts of safety and risk, particularly how these concepts have evolved to frame our disposition towards women and loitering in public spaces. Risk and safety need not be absolutely distinct; instead, they can only be assessed in accordance with the societal norms governing them.

Shilpa Phadke is a researcher, writer and pedagogue. She trained as a sociologist. She is an Assistant Professor at the School of Media and Cultural Studies at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She has been educated at St. Xavier’s College, SNDT University, TISS in Mumbai and the University of Cambridge, UK. She is co-author of Why Loiter? Women and Risk on Mumbai Streets.

[radhikarishi]

Whenever public spaces are designed to allow loitering, they are a success. The central vista at India gate in Delhi is one such example. Even though, not democratic in its essence as a space. Because the right of control to that space is altered by the centre. The gardens, without boundary walls, essentially invite all kinds of people to engage in all kinds of loitering. I’ve seen people picnic, families play, roam around, sing, eat ice cream.
A very interesting way to reclaim public space indeed!

[forgetfulmerc]

Very true. At the police station women are in turn policed for being out late at night.

[riyasoni]

It would be inclusive of you if there were captions for the video, for the deaf folks!

[VighneshRege]

Does she approve of an introduction which calls her a 'pedagogue'? AFAIK that word has a negative connotation in modern day vocabulary. Could use teacher instead.

[Schmetter_Corner]

and trafic, one of the major killers. Dont be part of traffic? good point indeed! safety makes no sence!

[paperbird]

what are you doing here in midnight, me: I am practicing Taoism

[katithikkat]

I pray that none of her students, male or female, start loitering in nasty places and start claiming places. We are not a safe society, unfortunaately. Someday, there will be the rule of law and perhaps an evolved society. Till then please be safe.