International Conference Conflicting Narratives: Reactions, Strategies, and Visions against Sexism and
Anti-Feminism; (Wuppertal, 16-17 July 2026)
This international and interdisciplinary conference will be held on 16–17 July 2026 at the University of Wuppertal, Germany. It focuses on feminist counter narratives, reactions, strategies, and visions developed in response to sexism and anti-feminism.
In recent years, sexist and antifeminist narratives have gained increasing visibility across digital and public spheres worldwide. Online environments such as the so-called manosphere have become important sites for the normalization of misogynistic
and anti-egalitarian positions through networked communication, platform logics, and affective modes of mobilization. At the same time, antifeminist ideas circulate far beyond male-dominated spaces and may also appeal to women, for example through
social media trends that promote traditional gender roles. Moreover, antifeminism often intersects with, and may serve as a bridge to, authoritarian, right-wing populist, far-right, antisemitic, homophobic, and religious fundamentalist positions. These
developments not only shape debates on gender relations, but also raise urgent questions about democratic stability, the protection of human rights, and social cohesion.
Starting from the assumption that narratives are key modes of structuring and interpreting social experience, the conference examines both fictional and factual forms. Rather than placing sexist and antifeminist positions at the center, it focuses
on feminist counter narratives that challenge, transform, or contest them across cultural, educational, and political arenas, including literature, film, social media, and public debate. With particular emphasis on German-speaking and Spanish-speaking
contexts, the conference brings together scholars from Hispanic Studies, German Studies, sociology, philosophy, and political science to explore how such narratives emerge, circulate, and evolve, and what critical and transformative potential they hold
within and across these linguistic spaces.
Presentations will be held in English and Spanish.
Further information, including the conference program, conference reader, and contact details, is available on the conference website: https://romanistik.uni-wuppertal.de/de/fachteile/literatur-und-kulturwissenschaft/forschung/fachtagungen-
kolloquien-und-workshops/international-conference-conflicting-narratives/
Organization:
Dr. Susana Pinilla Alba
Dr. Mirjam Leuzinger