On 28 September 2026, Angelika Julia Bensch successfully defended her doctoral thesis entitled ‘Gender-sensitive physical education and pupils’ gender competence – a qualitative interview study on constructions of difference in physical education’.
In this dissertation, structured as a monograph, Angelika Bensch examines physical education in upper secondary schools with regard to gender sensitivity from the perspective of pupils – a perspective that has received little attention to date. In her work, she combines two lines of inquiry that are predominantly addressed separately in gender research within sports pedagogy: on the one hand, the reconstruction of learners’ perceptions of the ways in which gender is performed in physical education lessons designed to be – to a greater or lesser extent – gender-sensitive; and on the other hand, the question of their own gender competence.
The examination board was chaired by the Dean of Studies, Prof. Heiko Wagner. The external examiners were Associate Professor Helga Leineweber (Research Group on Education and Culture in Sport) and Professor Bettina Rulofs (DSHS Cologne). The board was completed by Dr Sebastian Salomon (Research Group on Education and Teaching in Sport).
Following the successful defence, this important milestone was celebrated together with a small reception on the terrace in front of HO1. We offer our warmest congratulations to Angelika Bensch, share in her joy at the completion of her PhD, and wish her all the best for her future professional and her personal journey!