What's the Use? summary

Examining the Notion of Use

In What's the Use? by Sara Ahmed, we are taken on a thought-provoking journey through the concept of use. Ahmed begins by exploring how the notion of use is entwined with the idea of utility, which in turn is linked to the notion of what is valuable or worthwhile. This exploration leads us to consider how certain things, people, and spaces are deemed useful, while others are not, and the power dynamics that underlie these distinctions.

Ahmed delves into the historical roots of these associations, walking us through the ways in which use has been connected to life and strength, and how these connections have influenced social and biological thought. She shows us how the idea of use is not merely a neutral concept, but is laden with value judgments and power dynamics, often privileging certain bodies, spaces, and practices over others.

Use and the University

The author then turns her attention to the university setting, examining how the notion of use operates within these institutions. She discusses how certain bodies and practices are deemed useful within the university, while others are not, leading to the exclusion of marginalized groups and the reinforcement of existing power structures. Ahmed's analysis brings to light the ways in which the university can be a site of both inclusion and exclusion, depending on what is deemed useful within its walls.

She also explores how the university's focus on use can impact the mental health of its students and staff. The pressure to be useful, productive, and efficient can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, as individuals struggle to meet these demanding expectations. Ahmed's insights prompt us to question the value systems that underpin our educational institutions and the impact they have on the well-being of those within them.

Queer Use and Resistance

Amidst this exploration of the restrictive nature of use, Ahmed introduces the concept of 'queer use'. She describes queer use as a form of resistance, a way of using things, spaces, and bodies in ways that were not intended or sanctioned by dominant power structures. This concept challenges the idea that use is fixed and predetermined, highlighting the potential for alternative, subversive forms of use that disrupt existing hierarchies.

Ahmed illustrates the concept of queer use through examples of resistance within the university setting, such as student protests and alternative forms of knowledge production. These acts of resistance, she argues, can serve as powerful tools for challenging the status quo and opening up new possibilities for inclusion and diversity within educational institutions.

Rethinking the Notion of Use

In conclusion, What's the Use? urges us to critically examine our assumptions about use and utility. By revealing the ways in which the concept of use is entangled with power dynamics and exclusionary practices, Ahmed encourages us to rethink our understanding of what is considered useful, valuable, or worthwhile. She challenges us to consider how our attachment to certain notions of use might be limiting our ability to create more inclusive and equitable spaces.

Ultimately, Ahmed's work prompts us to question the status quo and imagine new, more expansive ways of using and being in the world. By embracing the concept of queer use and its potential for resistance and transformation, we can begin to challenge the restrictive nature of use and open up new possibilities for a more inclusive and just society.