GILDA
ERC Sectors:
Durata:
The GILDA project has analyzed the relationships between knowledge production, digital transformation, and gender inequalities, integrating theoretical reflection and empirical research from a multidisciplinary perspective. The aim was to understand how differences are constructed, represented, and translated into power asymmetries and disparities in access to opportunities.
The research was structured along three interconnected lines: feminism, methodology and the production of inequalities; narratives of female identity in intercultural contexts; feminism, social justice, and the crisis of democracy. Activities included a systematic literature review on gender data bias, the acquisition of metadata and content analysis of the Italian press on social representations of gender for International Women’s Day, a qualitative survey among international female students, and theoretical insights into the relationships between feminisms and neoliberalism. The findings were synthesized into three volumes and disseminated through scientific exchange initiatives, in line with the 2021–2027 National Research Program priorities regarding digital transformation, inclusion, and the reduction of inequalities.
Activities / Project Phases:
1. Theoretical Overview and Systematic Literature Review
A systematic review of the literature on gender data bias was conducted, highlighting feminist epistemologies and examining data production processes, the assumptions of knowledge neutrality, and the implications of bias for gender inequalities and social justice.
2. Acquisition of Metadata and Analysis of Media Representations
Metadata were acquired and a content analysis was carried out on Italian press coverage of social representations of gender around March 8, with a particular focus on the role of journalism in shaping gender issues.
3. Qualitative Study on Identity and Self-Narration
Through an open-ended questionnaire, narratives were collected from international students at the University regarding academic mobility, gender identity, and inclusion. The findings are presented in the chapter by Maria Flavia Maiorano and Siriana Sgavicchia in the volume edited by Tusini and Dentale.
4. Theoretical Insights and Scientific Dialogue
The relationships between feminisms, neoliberalism, social justice, and the crisis of democracy were further explored.
Publications:
The activities led to the publication of three volumes:
• Tusini S., Bennato D. and Dentale M. (eds.), Data and Algorithms Between Inequalities and Resistance, FrancoAngeli, Milan.
• Tusini S. and Dentale M. (eds.), Stereotypes, Discrimination and Gender Inequalities: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, FrancoAngeli, Milan.
• Mornagui O. and Simoncini A. (eds.), Feminisms and Neoliberalism: Systems of Power and Practices of Resistance, Firenze University Press.
News / Events / Highlights:
The following events have been organized:
Conference “Data and Algorithms between Inequalities and Resistance”, held on 8 May 2025 at Palazzo Gallenga
Seminar “Feminisms and the (Crisis of) Neoliberalism”, held on 6 November 2025 at the University.
Coordinator:
Team:
Maria Dentale – Scientific Coordinator
Stefania Tusini
Rolando Marini
Matteo Gerli
Salvatore Cingari
Alessandro Simoncini
Siriana Sgavicchia
Maria Flavia Maiorano
Ons Mornagui