The conference is dedicated to the complex social hierarchies and differences that permeated medieval societies and created various areas of tension. These could be rooted in different perceptions of ethnic, social, religious, and economic backgrounds. Also, in recent years, medieval studies as increasingly focused on the significance of gender diversity for medieval societies. Based on these developments, the conference investigates categories of difference, such as race, class and gender and their function for social inclusion and exclusion in the medieval world.

We welcome contributions that deal with mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion and their impact on medieval community and identity building. In particular, we would like to encourage contributions with a special focus on gender-related topics.