This seminar examines the global rise of anti-gender movements as a key site of contemporary backlash politics. Drawing on intersectional feminist and queer theory, we analyze how gender becomes a symbolic battlefield for broader struggles over nationalism, religion, race, and democracy. Through transnational case studies, we explore how “anti-gender” mobilizations connect local grievances to global networks and how feminist and queer resistances respond. The seminar aims to provide a critical understanding of key concepts, encourage rigorous analysis of current developments, and foster a power-conscious perspective on gender politics. Learning will be based on intensive reading, seminar discussion, and collaborative group presentations, combining theory with empirical examples to strengthen analytical skills and practical insight. The group presentations are a requirement to obtain participation points (Studienleistung), and to obtain examination points (Prüfungsleistung), students need write a term paper. Trigger warning: In the Master’s seminar, we deal with sensitive issues relating to power and inequality, amongst others, gender discrimination and racism. We will discuss examples of hate speech and anti-gender discourses. Discussing these topics may be stressful, challenging or triggering for seminar participants. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the lecturer if necessary.
- Lehrende/r: Rieke Schröder