[MLA 2026] Comparative Comfort Women Studies

updated:  Saturday, January 25, 2025 - 5:32am Modern Language Association 2026 - Toronto, Canada deadline for submissions:  Saturday, March 1, 2025 The scholarly research on Comfort Women studies has grown significantly over the past three decades, focus…
Ernie Stanton · 6 days ago · 2 minutes read

Unveiling the Complexities of Comfort Women Studies: A Comparative Approach

Origins and Historical Focus

Over the past three decades, scholarship on Comfort Women has illuminated the experiences of women forced into sexual slavery during World War II. Pioneering works like Comfort Women by Yoshimi Yoshiaki brought the horrors of this system to light.

Expanding Perspectives

Recent years have seen a shift towards interdisciplinary approaches that explore themes of trauma, identity, and collective memory. Feminist, postcolonial, and memory studies have enriched our understanding of these issues.

Limitations and the Need for Inclusivity

Despite this progress, limitations persist. Research has primarily focused on Korean women, neglecting the experiences of those from other impacted regions. Additionally, historical and legal frameworks often limit the scope of inquiry.

A Comparative Framework

To address these limitations, a comparative approach is necessary. By exploring the intersections of imperialism, militarism, and global patriarchy, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the Comfort Women system.

Global Perspectives

A comparative framework expands the scope beyond national and historical boundaries. Examining the role of imperial practices and local patriarchal structures sheds light on the transnational nature of sexual violence.

Broadening the Context

Including examinations of slavery, particularly sexual slavery, in various historical and contemporary contexts is crucial. This allows for comparisons of the experiences of victims across periods and regions.

Suggested Topic Areas

  • Comparative national experiences
  • Intersectionality and race
  • Military imperialism and gender
  • Post-war justice and memory
  • Survivor testimonies and trauma

By exploring these and other topics, we can foster a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of the complexities of Comfort Women studies.

Join us for a panel discussion on March 1, 2025. Submit your 250-word abstract and 100-word bio to Seon-Myung Yoo and Min Ji Kang for consideration.