240114 SE SE/PR (research-) project development (2023S)

Title: (Non)binarity in Binary Structures

Digital technologies play a crucial role in the representation and negotiation of gender identities. As in other areas of society, the norm of binary gender categories has shaped digital communication from the very beginning. However, a coexistence of binary and non-binary affordances is increasingly apparent, as not only the linguistic code, but also the code of software must be reconceptualized from a queer theoretical perspective in order to adequately represent gender identities beyond binary categories (Bivens, 2017). In this regard, social media platforms are of crucial importance, as they show us the simultaneous existence and non-existence of gender binaries. The research seminar is dedicated to the associated challenges and opportunities from a communication research and gender perspective. First, we will deal with theories of digital public sphere: Which theoretical approaches are suitable for describing and explaining (non-)binarity in digital structures and their effects? (e.g. critical theoretical approaches to technology, queer theory and insights from science and technology studies). The participants then develop their own research questions, which are answered in small groups and written up in the form of a project report. Possible questions address, for example:
• Representations, portrayals, and effects: How are (non-)binary identities represented in digital media environments? How do they represent themselves (e.g. avatars, profiles)? How do distortions in the representation of gender or in their portrayal, for example, affect perceptions, attitudes or behavior?
• Participation and discourse: What conditions characterize the participation of (non-)binary gender identities in digital publics (e.g. hate speech, fake news)?
• Methodology: How can nonbinarity be captured in quantitative and qualitative research? What new methodological approaches are needed?
• Regulation and policies: What are platform operators and policymakers doing to make digital media environments gender-inclusive? What role do economic (e.g. business models) and political conditions play in this?