Abstract (eng)
This study focuses on the theoretical examination of the concepts of homonationalism and femonationalism. Both concepts are characterized by the fact that they deal with a dual problem within nationalist developments. On the one hand, they address the problem of the nationalist co-optation of topics such as feminism and queerness. On the other hand, they examine the participation of emancipatory actors. The focus on this dual problem distinguishes both concepts from other research in this area. At the same time, there are similarities, but also differences between homonationalism and femonationalism, which have not yet been considered in research. This context is the starting point for this study. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the two theoretical concepts based on three main points. Firstly, the co-optation mechanisms are examined in more detail. Secondly, the analysis focuses on the motives for the participation of emancipatory actors. Thirdly, the potential of both concepts for an analysis of contemporary phenomena will be evaluated. Homonationalism and femonationalism point to the fact that co-optation serves as a means of differentiation and contributes to the stabilization of the national order. However, their theoretical approaches differ significantly. Regarding the participation of emancipatory actors, there is a need to reflect on Eurocentric and Orientalist assumptions. Furthermore, emancipatory actors must question their entanglement in power relations. The potential for analyzing current developments is ambivalent. Thus, the concepts prove useful in shedding light on certain rhetorical strategies. However, current authoritarian developments contradict the assumptions of both concepts. Overall, this work highlights the need to reflect on homonationalist and femonationalist developments and to keep an eye open for new attempts at co-optation and actors.