Mythos ländlicher Raum: ,,Antifeminismus und Provenzialität“ – Buchvorstellung und Publikumsgespräch

In the organizer's words:

Rural areas are both a place of longing and a political playing field. Ideas of harmony and cohesion, but also of clear hierarchies and traditional gender roles, characterize the image of the rural idyll - and are often at odds with values such as equality, diversity and feminism. Especially outside the big cities, people who stand up for these values often experience skepticism, rejection and attacks, which makes democratic participation on the ground increasingly difficult.

Why do feminist ideas often meet with resistance there? What political and cultural ideas shape this rejection? And what effect do romanticized images of rural life, traditional role models, anti-Semitic narratives and the belief in a "feminist world conspiracy" have?

The publication "Antifeminism and Provinciality. On the authoritarian defense of emancipation". In a reading, the editors Johanna Niendorf, Fiona Kalkstein, Henriette Rodemerk and Charlotte Höcker will provide insights into their work, including the research project "Gender Democracy in the Ore Mountains Region". Afterwards, we invite you to an audience discussion on how anti-feminist attitudes are gaining strength - and why they are often based on idealized ideas of the "good country life".

What will this evening be about?

• How does anti-feminism manifest itself in everyday life, especially beyond the big city? Why are women, queer people and Jewish communities particularly affected?
• What role do experiences of crisis and social insecurity play in the rise of anti-feminist world views? And what role do conspiracy beliefs play in this?
• How can political education sustainably strengthen an open, solidary and democratic society while addressing the specifics of anti-feminist mobilization in rural areas?

The event is aimed at all those who are committed to social cohesion in both rural and urban areas and are interested in a debate on emancipation, equality and dealing with social polarization.

Location: Pöge Haus, Hedwigstraße 20, 04315 Leipzig
Date and time: 01.08.2025, admission 19:30, start 20:00. As places are limited, please arrive on time. We look forward to an exciting evening of exchange and discussion!

Funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior as part of the federal program "Cohesion through Participation"