Lea Quaing

Lea Quaing serves as a Research Associate at the Institute for Christian Social Sciences within the Faculty of Catholic Theology at the University of Münster. She works on the DFG-funded project 'Precarious Recognition: The 'Third Gender' from a Social-Ethical Perspective' since September 2022, building on prior research in the 'Care Work in Private Households' DFG project (2020-2021). Her academic foundation includes doctoral studies in Catholic Theology at WWU Münster since November 2019, following a full theology degree (2012-2019).

Her research centers on gender recognition theory, particularly examining the 'third gender' through social-ethical lenses, while integrating queer theology, body theology, and intersectional analysis of gender, race, and class. She investigates care work ethics—especially live-in caregivers and family care—and analyzes how social norms impact bodily recognition. Recent publications critically engage with AfD ideology versus Catholic social teaching, applying recognition theory to contemporary political and theological debates.

• Key Research Themes: Non-binary gender recognition, ethical care frameworks, political theology, and linguistic gender inclusivity
• Methodological Approach: Combines theoretical ethics with empirical interview studies on care work
• Current Focus: Analyzing precarious recognition systems in religious and political institutions

Her teaching includes seminars on gender-sensitive theology, body politics, and practical courses for doctoral candidates. She actively participates in public theological discourse through lectures at academic forums, alumni events, and community workshops addressing fascism resistance, queer inclusion, and ethical decision-making frameworks.