Gender Knowledge: Transformative Moments

• Applicant: Dr. Martina Röthl
• Subject Area: Social and Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 499575546

To develop a clear understanding of the formation and transformation of gender knowledge the Gender Knowledge: Transformative Moments research project focuses on knowledge practices and strategies by using a case study method. The study examines the practices and approaches of those who work in different fields of knowledge transfer, which are often characterized by conflict and antagonism. The planned project accordingly addresses arguments and disputes about 'correct' gender knowledge and its implementation.Methodically, the research project relies on an open, ethnographic approach – specifically on the collaboration of researchers and subjects in the production of ethnographic text. Thus, the focus is on discussion, exchange and cooperation with practitioners concerned with finding or reinventing practices of mediation that make existing truths debatable again, or provoke differentiated knowledge of gender/gender relations. In the course of field research, five to eight empirical settings are examined. Each setting is based on an individual project proposed by a practitioner. The ractitioner and the research team work closely in its planning and implementation. Finding participating partners as well as the selection and final determination of these empirical or "dialogical" settings is part of the field research. However, there is an important, pre-set criterion for the selection of participating partners: It is important that practitioners articulate their own research-related interest and show a willingness to pursue this with the research team. The focus of interest is on those who want to transfer (their) gender knowledge into public discourse. The study deals with their practices of representation and strategies as well as their motivations. This research therefore explicitly emphasizes the practitioners’ perspective. The rationale it is that cultural mediation processes cannot be examined in the sense of a transfer or exchange process in the absence of detailed practitioner input. This poses three fundamental questions: (1) How are mediation processes structurallyembedded and at which levels do they take place? (2) How is the bmediation/transformation of gender knowledge be addressed in the context of practices, contents and strategies (3) Which modes of subjectification can be identified on the producer side? By comparing and contextualizing the outcomes of these questions, the study can provide valuable insights into fields of strategically designed mediation processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants