The Faculty of Social Science understands itself as a place of diversity and appreciation. This diversity should also be reflected in our language. Gender-inclusive language is therefore an important element of appreciative communication for us.
In society, the topic of gender-inclusive language - also: "gendering" - is emotionally charged and is often presented as complicated. The fact that language and society are in a constant state of change does not make the topic any less complex.
With this brochure, we would like to invite you, the faculty's staff and students, to engage with the topic and put gender-inclusive language into practice. At the initiative of the faculty's equal opportunity team, a working group has come together to create an informational brochure. We have collected and discussed different expertises and opinions. With the result, we want to emphasize: gender-inclusive language is feasible!
The brochure is concerned with the German language and its gender-inclusive aspects. It is therefore written entirely in German and is intended to help in writing (academic) texts in German.
Download link of the illustrated brochure:
Download link of the condensed version without illustrations:
The equal opportunity representatives at the Faculty of Social Science are the substitutes of the central equal opportunity representatives of the RUB. They advocate the interests of women and TIN (trans-, inter-, non-binary persons) of the respective status groups. This refers to students, technical and administrative staff, academic staff and professors.
The equal opportunity representatives deal with issues of equal opportunity for all genders. At the same time, they are also available to help you with all other forms of discrimination.
For example, they participate in meetings, committees and appointment procedures of the faculty as an advisory member. In addition, the equal opportunity representatives monitor and supervise the implementation of the equal opportunity plan at the faculty.
The equal opportunity representatives also organize events. Topics are, for example:
If you have any suggestions or questions, we welcome your feedback at gleichstellung-sowi@rub.de.
What Does the Social Science Equal Opportunity Team Stand For?
What Can I Contact the Equal Opportunity Representatives About?
It is possible to contact the respective representative of the status group by e-mail. Further consultations and procedures can then be coordinated individually. It goes without saying that we treat sensitive topics confidentially.
At the FLINTA* General Assembly on April 12, 2023, the new student equal opportunity representative Esra Elmaci was elected.
Mattea Mentges, who had held the office for almost two years, is thus saying goodbye.
What exactly are trigger warnings and content notes, and what are the differences? Why can they be useful, what are the limits of their application, and what can such notes look like?
We want to explore these and other questions in a series of events on the topic of content warnings. We, that is the student council Gender Studies, equal opportunity of the faculty and Queer at RUB.
The series consists of three events that build on each other; of course, not all events have to be attended!
Thu, October 27, 2022 | 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Zoom
Presentation by Siân Birkner and Annika Spahn
Our series of events will kick off with a two-part lecture. Sîan Birkner will begin with a critical introduction to the topic of content notes, followed by a report from the practical field by Annika Spahn. This will be concluded by a Q&A session and discussion.
Siân Birkner (she/her) was elected substitute of the central equal opportunity representative at Bielefeld University in 2018. Her focus here, in addition to equal opportunity concerns for students, is on the intersection of equal opportunity and diversity. Since 2019, she is spokesperson of the bukof (Bundeskonferenz für Frauen- und Gleichstellungsbeauftragten) Commission for Student Affairs (KostA), as well as a member of KostA NRW. In addition to her work in equal opportunities, she is studying Gender Studies and Media Studies.
Annika Spahn (she/her) is a (medical) sociologist and gender researcher and is doing her PhD at the Universities of Basel and Freiburg on the topic of heteronormativity in knowledge production, teaching and treatment practice in sexual medicine. She is also the executive director of Queer Lexikon and active on social media (@annikaspahn). In her courses, she works with content warnings.
Topic: Content Warnings in the Higher Education Context (in German)
Time: Oct 27, 2022 06:00 PM Amsterdam, Berlin, Rom, Stockholm, Wien
Join Zoom Meeting
https://ruhr-uni-bochum.zoom.us/j/62556837658?pwd=NU5qKzdKSmV3ZmhhTHk5dk5tY1FNUT09
Meeting-ID: 625 5683 7658
Password: 976354
Thu, November 3, 2022 | 2:30 p.m. to - 6 p.m. | Event location on request
Workshop with Ulla Scharfenberg (@der_Hase_im_Pfeffer)
In the workshop, we want to work out together how to recognize potentially triggering content and how to formulate and communicate warnings for it. Afterward, we want to discuss uncertainties, difficulties and ambiguities together.
Ulla Scharfenberg (she/they/-) leads workshops and seminars on topics such as discrimination-sensitive communication and gender diversity. On Instagram, Ulla comments on current events and political debates from a feminist and anti-capitalist perspective as @Der_Hase_im_Pfeffer.
Of course, it is a good idea to listen to the lecture beforehand, but this is not a prerequisite for participation in the workshop! Snacks and drinks will be provided.
The workshop is limited to 20 participants. Registration via fsrgs@rub.de
Tue, November 8, 2022, 4 p.m. | Event location on request
Working and discussion meeting
Together we want to reflect on the attended events and develop impulses for the creation of a handout on content warnings for the RUB.
Participation in the discussion meeting is not yet a commitment to join a working group. The event is intended to provide space to share what we have learned and allow us to think through potential questions, suggestions, and issues.
Moodle-Course
Name | "Richtig gendern - Geschlechtergerechte Sprache im Hochschulkontext (SoSe2021)"
Password | gendern2021
Here you can find the recordings/slides of the lectures that have already taken place!
Equal Opportunity Representative
of the Faculty of
Social Science
Dr. Helena Hartlieb
E-mail: helena.hartlieb@rub.de
Office: GD 1/165
Phone: +49 234 32 - 22990
Office hours: by arrangement
Representative for Students
Esra Elmaci
E-mail: gleichstellung-sowi@rub.de
Office: GD 03/135
Office hours: Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Representative for Academic Employees
Maximiliane Brand
E-mail: maximiliane.brand@rub.de
Office: GD 1/337
Phone: +49 234 32 - 26646
Office hours: by arrangement
Representative for Technical and Administrative Staff
Susanne Axt-Sokolowski
E-mail: susanne.axt-sokolowski@rub.de
Office: GD 1/317
Phone: +49 234 32 - 28429
The target agreements on equal opportunity, are regularly concluded between the rectorate and the faculty and define the equal opportunity goals of the faculty.
The "Rahmenplan Gleichstellung der RUB" (Framework Plan for Equal Opportunities at RUB) sets out the principles and overarching equality goals of RUB that apply to all members and affiliates of the university.
Copyright © SoWi 2023
Last update: Jun 12, 2023
