Discreet Masculinism?
In memory of Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in Eva Kreisky
Discreet Masculinism?
A discussion on the state of democracy following Eva Kreisky
Eva Kreisky (1944-2024) was a pioneer of German-speaking feminist political science. With her critical view of the state and bureaucracy as a male alliance, she showed how idealised and distorted ideas of masculinity operate as a secret cement and as an unspoken ideology in politics and the state. Her analyses and concepts are critical diagnoses of the times that offer an answer to the question of democratic blockades and the dismantling of democracy.
The aim of her research was to promote democracy and democratisation at all levels.
Masculinism not only describes the ideological core of the Männerbund, but also explains the formation of anti-democratic resistance practices against feminist successes. This is because masculinism operates discreetly, especially as it has become invisible and entrenched in the institutions. However, it also remains a political resource that can be (re-)activated at any time. Eva Kreisky's critical diagnoses of the times sensitise us to such phenomena and their excesses in the present. She has left us a research programme with which we can investigate and highlight discrete masculinism and its effects that weaken democracy.
Following the presentation of Eva Kreisky's book „Discrete Masculinism“, we will discuss how masculinism manifests itself in the current conjuncture of domestic and international politics. What do discrete and increasingly indiscreet masculinism mean for the future of democracy?
Together with the publisher of the book Marion Löffler discuss:
Univ.-Prof.in Dr.in Karin Bishop,
Head of the Department of European Politics and Democracy Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems
Mag.a Ulrike Lunacek,
Deputy Chairwoman of Frauen*solidarität, former federal and European politician for the Greens
MMag.a Dr.in Gabriele Michalitsch,
Political scientist and economist, numerous visiting professorships and lecturers at the Universities of Vienna and Klagenfurt
Univ.-Prof.in Retired Dr.in Birgit Sauer,
Political scientist at the University of Vienna
Eva Kreisky/Edited by Marion Löffler:
Discrete masculinism. Critical diagnoses of the times
Campus Verlag, 2024, 404 pages, € 43.20,
ISBN 978-3-593-52006-3, also available as an e-book