Head: Prof Dr Ilse Dröge-Modelmog

The starting point for this thematic focus was a scientific approach that can be somewhat generalised as "postmodern" and is based on linguistics as an epistemological orientation. The term "immaterial cultures" is also located there. The special feature of this research work was, among other things, its contextualisation and the questioning of the existence of an "objective subject", which historically appeared with a claim to power, which was particularly expressed towards women. Total concepts of culture were criticised so that the fragments of, for example, life plans could be discussed instead.
Work was carried out on three levels: theoretical, empirical and historical, as well as inter- and transdisciplinary. Three focal points were at the centre:

1. The question of the "subject" in its "self-description"
2. The question of technology culture
3. The question of everyday life.

In addition to co-operation within the university, networking also developed with representatives of other universities, e.g. Prof. Dr Doris Janshen (Essen), Prof. Dr Marie-Luise Karsten (Lüneburg), Prof. Dr Marianne Friese (Gießen), which found expression in joint workshops, for example. Numerous master's and Diplom theses were written as part of this research focus.

Central publications:

Modelmog, Ilse (2004): Die Schein-Heilige, Schriften des Essener Kollegs für Geschlech-terforschung, ed. Doris Janhsen and Michael Meuser, Essen