Gender and Diversity Studies: European Perspectives

Abstract

What concepts of 'gender' and 'diversity' emerge in the different regions and pertinent research and practical fields? On the back drop of current European developments - from the deregulation of economy, a shrinking welfare state to the dissolution and reinforcement of borders - the book examines the development of Gender and Diversity Studies in different European regions as well as beyond and focuses on central fields of theoretical reflection, empirical research and practical implementation policies and politics. Anti-discrimination policies of the EU contribute to an institutionalization of Gender and Diversity Studies and interact with legal, political, societal and economic factors which shape the academic and practical fields. Pressure towards the deregulation of economy, the reduction of welfare state institutions, increased requirements of mobility for individuals and, at the same time, stronger regulations of migration have an impact on research and theory development in the field of Gender and Diversity Studies. While certain rights and anti-discrimination policies are being strengthened within the EU, and while inner borders between member states dissolve and - recently at the same time partially also increase - external borders of Europe are simultaneously being enforced. The large flows of refugee migration towards and into Europe has put these questions on top of the agenda. Taking these processes as well as social and political changes in different European and border regions into account, the state of the art as well as future perspectives of Gender and Diversity Studies are debated from multiple European and border perspectives. What concepts of ‘gender' and 'diversity' emerge in the different regions and fields of studies? The book examines the development of Gender and Diversity Studies in different European regions as well as beyond and focuses on central fields of theoretical reflection, empirical research and practical implementation policies and politics in the following fields: anti-discrimination, law and policies; social movements and politics; work and organizations; higher education and the sciences; intersectionality.