Die ‚osteuropäische Frau‘? Eine mediale Bestandsaufnahme der Verbindung von antiosteuropäischem Rassismus und Sexismus
The ‘East European Woman’? A Media Analysis of the Intersection of Anti-East European Racism and Sexism

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines media from the German-speaking region and how they (re)produce stereotypes rooted in the intersection of anti-East European racism and sexism. The focus is on the rhizomatic analysis of the genesis of the stereotypical figure of the ‘East European woman’. The study analyses and deconstructs the stereotypes of the ‘commodified and promiscuous East European woman’, the ‘beautiful, traditional, maternal woman’ and the ‘cheap laborer’. These stereotypes have evolved historically and are intertwined with mechanisms of devaluation at the levels of class, gender, and origin. German-language television series such as Magda macht das schon and Traumfrau gesucht, as well as the film Wanda, mein Wunder, are juxtaposed with German rap and social media trends such as the ‘Slavic Girl Diet’ and ‘Slavic Girl Era’. Additionally, real-life matchmaking services for so-called ‘catalog women/e-brides’ and content from dating coaches on social media are examined. This analysis reveals the continuity of the devaluation and exploitation of ‘Eastern Europe’ within the Germanspeaking region. The historical foundations of these stereotypes extend beyond the analysed media and pose tangible risks for those affected, as they (re)produce narratives based on anti-East European racism and sexism and have a real effect on the life of those affected by them.

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