Professor Dr. Maja Bondestam

Biography

Maja Bondestam is a Professor at Uppsala University specializing in the history of science, especially the history of the body. She has a keen interest in the historic concept of monstrosity within Swedish medicine and natural history, particularly from 1600 to 1830. Her recent publication, 'De utomordentliga', critically examines extraordinary births and has added to her exploration of the cultural history of the body during the early modern and modern periods. Bondestam's research interests encompass cultural history and the evolution of concepts of identity—including gender, age, class, sexuality, race, and physical normality. She has published various articles and books that connect Swedish and European histories of medicine with gender studies and monstrosity studies. Bondestam has also been actively involved in workshops and research programs, including 'Medicine Borders Life', which seeks to explore the intersections of medicine, culture, and personal identity in historical contexts. Her ongoing research investigates the reformation of sexual relations and marriage in Swedish culture from 1930 to 1950, examining the interplay of politics and cultural debate during the mid-20th century.

Research Interests