Doing and Believing. Religion and Gender

"In this sense, gender is not a noun, but neither is it a set of free-floating attributes, for we have seen that the substantive effect of gender is performatively produced and compelled by the regulatory practices of gender coherence. Hence, within the inherited discourse of the metaphysics of substance, gender proves to be performative - that is, constituting the identity it is purported to be. In this sense, gender is always a doing, though not a doing by a subject who might be said to preexist the deed." (Judith Butler, Gender Trouble. Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. 1999 New York, p. 32)

The complex relationship between religion and gender has increasingly become the focus of academic discourse in recent decades. Poststructuralist perspectives, such as those formulated by Judith Butler in her theory of performative gender construction, show that gender does not exist as a fixed property, but is rather constantly produced anew through cultural and social internships. This symposium is therefore dedicated to the question of how gender roles become visible within religious contexts and how religious internships, rituals and texts contribute to the shaping and transformation of these roles.

In this context, religion is not only a mirror of social gender images, but also plays an active role in their construction and further development. The subjects range from the examination of gender-specific roles in rituals and religious texts to historical and sociological perspectives and feminist and queer theological approaches.

The symposium aims to offer students the opportunity to engage in an international dialog on these exciting subjects and to present the contribution of their own research in an engaging, non-hierarchical setting. In order to be able to fully illuminate the topic in an interdisciplinary manner, we cordially invite students of study of religion from all over Switzerland, Germany and Austria as well as students of theology and Jewish studies, but also gender studies, to enrich our symposium with their contributions.

Guidelines for submissions:
We are accepting proposals for two types of presentations:
Short presentations: 20 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of discussion.
Long presentations: 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of discussion.

Please submit a synopsis of no more than one page outlining the focus and central arguments of your presentation. Indicate the desired format (short or long) andi nclude a short biography (a few short sentences) of your academic background and research interests.

Deadline for submission: 31.03.2025
Notification of acceptance: 13.04.2025

Call for Presentations

Call for Presentations English

Call for Presentations French

Submission and contact:
Send your proposals to: symposium-religionswissenschaft@unibas.ch
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us at the same address.
We look forward to receiving many interesting submissions!

Overnight accommodation in Basel is limited due to various events (ESC, UEFA Women's Euro 2025, EJCF) taking place at the same time as the student symposium. We therefore strongly recommend that participants arrange accommodation as soon as possible.

We are happy to support you in this: We are collaborating with the Hotel Odelya and can provide you with a promotional code. You will receive this code by email after your application to register for the symposium.

There are various options: Single room, double room or group room. When booking at the Hotel Odelya, breakfast and the BaselCard (public transport ticket) are included.

Rooms must be booked via the Hotel Odelya booking system.

Expenses for overnight stays may be partially covered by your university, please contact the person responsible for your subject area.

Association: Student Symposium for the Study of Religion 2025 Basel

In keeping with the spirit of the student symposium, the main organization of the event is also in the hands of students. The board of our association for the organization of the Student Symposium for Religious Studies is made up of five committed students. Together, we attended the 29th student symposium at CERES (Center for Religious Studies) in Bochum in spring 2024 on the subject of "Artemis - Grill or Goddess. Religion in everyday life". Enthusiastic about this valuable opportunity for international networking with other students of religious studies and the chance to debate academic ideas, subjects and questions, we want to bring the symposium back to Switzerland in 2025 after more than ten years.

Jonas Bissig: Co-President, Network and Representation

Leah Gutzwiller: Co-President, Networking and Fundraising

Svenja Müller: Communications and Public Relations 

Florence Remy: Treasurer, Program Coordination

Alice Seiler: Actuary, Communications Participants

Tutorat: "Religion and Gender: Organization of the Student Symposium 2025" in the University calender

In spring 2025, a student tutorial will take place under the direction of the members of the Executive Board in preparation for the symposium. The aim of the tutorials is to support the Executive Board in organizing the symposium and to actively help shape the event. In two to four one-day sessions, students from the University of Basel who are matriculated in the tutorials will plan various aspects of the symposium. These include organizing a guided tour of the city, preparing their own presentations for the student panels and planning and carrying out administrative work.

Contact: E-mail