Report Tenth Annual Conference of the “Familie in der Hochschule” Association at Heidelberg University

On Wednesday 25 June, Heidelberg University hosted the annual conference of the association. The almost tropical temperatures did not deter the approximately 140 participants from universities and educational institutions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland from spending a day discussing the topic ‘MASCULINITY(IES) UNDER SCRUTINY – POLITICAL, PROGRESSIVE AND REACTIONARY?’ in the beautiful setting of the Alte Aula. The discussion centred on the following questions: What socio-political developments can be observed? Who is conducting research into masculinity(ies) and how? What role do masculinities play in working life, and what new challenges does this pose for work on work-life balance at universities?

In order to further advance gender equality and work-life balance initiatives, we must also focus on deconstructing historical and contemporary images of masculinity that reproduce and thereby entrench inequalities and barriers within institutional structures. It is also worth examining concepts of masculinity(ies) and fatherhood that can promote equal opportunities and gender equality for all, particularly for women*.

The passionate opening remarks by Stefanie Jansen, Councillor for Social Affairs, got straight to the heart of the matter and highlighted the local authority’s commitment. Marc-Philippe Weller, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Diversity, welcomed the guests to Heidelberg and demonstrated how the university’s history is reflected in the artistic design of the Alte Aula.

The keynote speakers delivered fascinating presentations that provided lasting inspiration and sparked an open discussion. Mag.a Elli Scambor spoke on “Caring Masculinities and the Relevance of Images of Masculinity and Gender Equality in Institutions”, whilst Dr Ansgar Hudde presented his fascinating research on the topic “Women on the left, men on the right? Gender differences in political voting behaviour and what they might mean for couple relationships”.

Following the presentation of the seven new member institutions, the afternoon featured brief presentations from academia and professional practice by Dr Hannah Haag and Judith Pappe on “Masculinities in flux? Insights into fathers’ experiences in academia”, with Volker Baisch from conpadres speaking on fathers as a target group for modern gender equality policy, and once again with Elli Scambor, who adapted the model of divergent masculinity practices (by Budde and Rieske, 2022) for the higher education context. The event was accompanied by a magnificent artistic contribution from Ka Schmitz, who translated the key messages of the presentations into visual language, thereby creating an extraordinary record of the proceedings.

The successful event at the Alte Universität came to a close with the handover of the key to our colleagues from Mainz, the organisers of next year’s annual conference.

The association Familie in der Hochschule e.V. was founded in 2018 from the ‘Familie in der Hochschule’ Best Practice Club and has since become a network comprising 156 universities and higher education-related institutions from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The association aims to embed the compatibility of studies, work and academic pursuits with family responsibilities within the German-speaking higher education sector and to further develop this within the wider higher education network. The basis for this is the ‘Familie in der Hochschule’ Charter. Upon joining, members commit to the objectives and quality standards for a family-friendly higher education institution set out in the Charter. The University of Heidelberg has been a member of the “Familie in der Hochschule e.V.” association since 2020.

The annual conference in Heidelberg was organised in cooperation between the University of Heidelberg, the “Familie in der Hochschule e.V.” association and the CHE (Centre for Higher Education Development). The conceptual planning and organisation were handled by the staff of UNIFY (Heidelberg University’s Unit for Family, Diversity and Equality): Andrea Steinmann, Evelyn Kuttikattu and Marina Ladan. Alexandra Tegethoff from the CHE was responsible for managing registrations, and Dr Frank Ziegele acted as moderator throughout the conference.