MA-SE Religion in Queer and Gender Studies

Unlike biological sex, which is based on physiological differences, gender refers to the socially constructed roles associated with "woman" and "man." As Simone de Beauvoir famously noted, "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman." In most religions, women often face social subordination to men, despite the intense worship of the feminine in many religions. Women are typically restricted from assuming any teaching positions. However, historical narratives from the 19th century about early matriarchal societies have inspired a partially feminist perspective within modern neopagan religions.

While the Study of Religion has explored gender relations and the learning of gender-specific roles in recent decades, the examination of queer and non-binary identities remains relatively unexplored. Nevertheless, throughout religious history, there are numerous instances of queer identities among deities, saints and laity. The approach to these identities has varied considerably across different religions and historical periods. Today, the discussion around gender has become a flashpoint in a cultural war waged by conservative Christians and right-wing populists who advocate for the preservation of "natural" and "God-given" roles for men and women. Meanwhile, progressive thinkers in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish theology are beginning to adopt gender- and queer-inclusive perspectives.

This course starts with an overview of foundational theories in this field before focusing on gender and queer issues across a selection of major and minor religious traditions.

Lernziele:

1) Knowledge of the role of women, men, queer/trans people and their relationship to each other in different religious traditions.

2) Knowledge of basic gender and queer theories.

3) Analytical knowledge of religiously legitimized social power relations between the different genders.