This workshop aims to explore the relationship between gender and memory from a historical perspective, bringing together early-career researchers from diverse fields including women’s and queer history, reception studies, archaeology, ethnomusicology, classical philology, and political science.
Gendering and Historicizing Cultures of Memory
Andy Astakhova / Julia Saegebrecht / “History and Cultural Studies” (HCS), Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin (Deutschland)
13.02.2026 – 13.02.2026
The workshop focuses on how memory shapes the construction of gender, how different forms of memory interact in producing gendered difference, how gendered memory functions in non-modern and non-European contexts, and how interdisciplinary methods can deepen our understanding of these dynamics. The starting point is the shared understanding that gender and memory are visibly entangled in representations of historical figures, in the transmission of knowledge, and in collective memory, yet the methodological implications of these entanglements are often underexplored. Questions on how gendered codings shape memory, which subject positions are deemed worthy of remembrance, and how historical narratives shift when marginalized perspectives are incorporated are therefore centered in the discussion. This format treats gender and memory as central analytical categories, providing space for both empirical case studies and methodological reflection. Due to the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the topic, the workshop emphasizes exchange across historical, cultural, philological, and social scientific approaches. We aim to foster an open, critical discussion of empirical evidence and methodological uncertainties, supporting early career researchers in developing new analytical frameworks. We especially invite students and early career researchers to contribute to this discussion.
10:00 Karin Gludovatz, Welcome
10:15 Andy Astakhova & Julia Saegebrecht, Introduction
Panel 1: Gendered Memory Practices in the Greek World
10:30 Evangelia Georgedaki, Freie Universität Berlin
The Role of Women in Ancient Crete Based on the Study of Funerary Stelae and Their Inscriptions
11:15 Artemis Ignatidou, University of Bayreuth
Song, Music, and the Impact of Industrialisation upon Women’s Role in Traditional Societies
12:00 Break
Panel 2: Antique Women in Gendered Memory Practices
12:15 Sophie Prauschke, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
The Image of Livia Drusilla in Tacitus’ Annales and Its Impact on the Historical Discourse on Women in a Position of Power
13:00 Julia Saegbrecht, Freie Universität Berlin
Contested Memories: Classical Female Figures in the Italian Querelle des Sexes (16th–17th century)
13:45 Lunch
Masterclass
14:45 Chris Perkins, University of Edinburgh
From Abstract to Publication: Editorial Perspectives for Interdisciplinary Research
16:15 Break
Panel 3: Gendered Memory Practices in Modern and Contemporary Japan
16:30 Andy Astakhova, Freie Universität Berlin
Remembering Nanshoku: Knowledge of Premodern Male Homoerotic Cultures in Modern Japanese Discourse
17:15 Nakako Hattori-Ishimaru, Freie Universität Berlin
Who Speaks for the Himeyuri? Gendered Narratives and the Politics of Peace Memory Cultures in Okinawa
18:00 Closing discussion
——————————————————————————–
We appreciate your interest in the event and kindly request registration by February 10 at hcs@geschkult.fu-berlin.de