From magazines to television, blogs to social media, how have the ways in which gender identities and roles are presented and perceived in communities and societies developed and changed, and with what consequences? This question, encompassing dynamics of customs and culture, is the focus of the international conference that the University of the Republic of San Marino will host on May 10th and 11th. The conference will feature presentations by 30 academics offering analyses involving influencers, fashion, and TV series. Including insights on figures such as Sophia Loren, Gianni Morandi, and Monica Vitti, the initiative will involve scholars from institutions such as La Sapienza University in Rome, City University of London, and Universidad Carlos III in Madrid. "Range across television, cinema, print media, social media, and more, we will discuss how gender identities are addressed and presented," explains professor Elena D'Amelio, who organized the event with her colleague Luca Gorgolini. We will discuss representations of men, women, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ people, including studies on femininity, masculinity, and sexuality. The goal is to allow participants to share new theories and research methods on the topic, ideas, and perspectives. In short, we want to stimulate conversation on a topic that is central to the collective and media imagination today. Indeed, changes are underway that impact individuals and society: "I'm thinking, for example, in positive terms, of new TV series that showcase non-mainstream identities, like 'Euphoria,' which features a transgender actress. Or 'Sex Education,' which doesn't only feature straight teenagers. At the same time, in negative terms, we must also note 'regressive' phenomena, such as the presence of resistance on social media against having a double surname, for example, or incidents of hate speech against women or LGBTQ+ people, in contexts where stereotypes and insults are prevalent. Rather than representing progress," the academic concludes, "these dynamics represent a clear step backward." The initiative is organized by the Department of Human Sciences and the Department of History. Open to the public until all available seats are filled, it will take place in the Aula Magna of the university's former courthouse, located at Via Salita alla Rocca 44, in the historic center of San Marino.
