UoC IMPACT - IMPlementing Gender AspeCTs in Research
Considering intersectional gender perspectives in research requires a fundamental understanding of the concepts and approaches related to ‘gender.’ These are characterized by diverse meanings and viewpoints:
- Gender as an Empirical Category: ‘Gender’ can be integrated into the study of gender differences as an empirical category. Here, ‘sex’ refers to the biological and physical aspects of gender, while ‘gender’ highlights the social and sociocultural dimensions of gender.
- The German Term ‘Geschlecht’:The German term ‘Geschlecht’ offers a wider approach by maintaining a simultaneous consideration, emphasising the contingency and overlapping of ‘sex’ and ‘gender.’ It underscores the cintinuous interplay between biological aspects of gender and their cultural and societal influences and interpretation, emphasizing their mutual interdependence.
- Gender as a Critical Perspective:Furthermore, ‘Geschlecht’ - or gender perspective - can be understood as an analytical foil and critique of received wisdoms and traditional scientific research. This approach critically examines symbolic gender orders, institutionalized gender relations, divisions of labor, and processes of subjectivation related to identity, sexuality, or body constructions.
Across all these dimensions, gender can and should be understood as one of several closely intertwined dimensions of social inequality—such as ethnicity, class, sexuality, age, disability, and religious affiliation (keyword: intersectionality).[1]
IMPACT embraces this multifaceted concept of gender, recognizing its openness, ambiguity, and diversity as integral components of intersectional gender perspectives. This approach highlights the interconnectedness of various forms of social inequality and underscores the importance of addressing them collectively within research frameworks.
Project Objective
The objective of the project "UoC IMPACT / University of Cologne – IMPlementing Gender AspeCTs in Research" is the systematic integration of intersectional gender perspectives into research across all disciplines and fields of study. The project aims to establish and sustain structures that continuously raise awareness within various academic cultures and foster a cultural and methodological shift in the development of research questions. By initiating and establishing networking structures, advisory services, and discipline-specific initiatives, we aim to ensure that our approach remains accessible and tailored to the diverse research methodologies across disciplines.
The project comprises four key measures to be implemented university-wide during the project’s duration:
1. Establishing Networks of Researchers addressing Gender Perspectives:A university-wide peer network will be established to enhance the visibility and impact of researchers working with gender perspectives at the University of Cologne. This network will convene annually for a research workshop and host a large interdisciplinary symposium mid-project.
2. Annual Fellowship Program:Each year, a fellowship will bring outstanding guest scholars to the University of Cologne. These scholars will be known for both their disciplinary and for their interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary research, prominent gender expertise, and broad influence within their fields. Fellows will give lectures and contribute to various formats, fostering sustained interdisciplinary and intersectional dialogue.
3. Theory and Methods Workshops for Early-Career Researchers:In collaboration with the Albertus Magnus Center and our fellows, we will design and conduct discipline-specific theory and methods workshops. These workshops aim to raise awareness of the integration of intersectional gender perspectives in research from early career stages. Additionally, a tailored advisory service will be developed to ensure the effective integration of intersectional research perspectives across all disciplines.
4. Awareness Building through Science in Dialogue and the Short Film Series "See More Than Before":Researchers will share their projects and their approaches regarding intersectional gender perspectives through various digital formats, including a short film series. Biennial science slams are also planned to engage a broad public audience, promoting dialogue and accessibility in science communication.
Interested/Questions? We’d love to hear from you! We invite you to reach out to us at:
[1] Crenshaw, Kimberly. 2010 [Original 1989]. Die Intersektion von „Rasse” und Geschlecht demarginalisieren: Eine Schwarze feministische Kritik am Antidiskriminierungsrecht, der feministischen Theorie und der antirassistischen Politik. In: Lutz, Helma; Herrera Vivar, Maria Teresa; Supik, Linda (Hg.). Fokus Intersektionalität. Bewegungen und Verortungen eines vielschichtigen Konzeptes. VS: Springer;Degele, Nina/Winker, Gabriele (2009): Intersektionalität. Zur Analyse sozialer Ungleichheiten, Bielefeld: transcript.
