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In a time when gender equality is a focal point of social discourse, Giulia Evolvi is diving into the role of religion in these conversations. Her current research focuses on how religious groups interact with gender and politics issues through digital platforms.
An Unexpected Path to Academia
Giulia’s academic journey was far from linear. “I started my bachelor’s with a major in Japanese studies, then shifted my interest to religious studies,” she recalls. “From there, I decided to pursue a PhD in media and communication.” Today, Giulia’s work operates at the intersection of religious studies, media, and political sciences, with a focus on how digital media shapes religious movements—specifically, Catholicism.
“I’m passionate about gender equality, both because I’m a woman and because I have a daughter,” she notes. Her research explores how religion, gender, and social movements interact online, making her focus timely given the global discussions surrounding reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and the role of religious institutions in shaping these debates.
Religion and Gender: Not Always a Conservative Force
Giulia’s work challenges a common assumption: that religion is inherently conservative, particularly in its stance on gender issues. “It’s easy to view the Catholic Church as a monolithic, conservative institution,” she says, “but my research shows there are both progressive and conservative factions within Catholicism.” Her study involves Catholic feminists who are pushing for women to be ordained as priests, juxtaposed with traditionalists who protest against abortion rights.
Digital Media as a Tool for Activism
In her research, Giulia examines how digital media provides marginalized religious groups a platform for activism. “The Vatican often doesn’t fully endorse either progressive or very conservative factions within the Catholic Church,” she explains. “As a result, these groups turn to digital media to build communities, engage in activism, and promote their agendas.”
“Without the internet, many of these groups wouldn’t be able to exist,” Giulia states. The internet, she notes, has become an indispensable tool for these social movements, allowing geographically dispersed individuals to connect and form powerful networks.
Digital spaces enable activism beyond the screen. “Protests, demonstrations, conferences—all these offline activities are often organized and amplified through online channels.” Giulia’s interest lies in how digital communication both reflects and shapes offline action.
The U.S. vs. Europe: A Comparative Study
With a research grant from the European Union, Giulia is conducting a comparative study of religious movements in the U.S. and Europe, focusing on how they differ in their approaches to gender and politics. In Europe, countries like Italy and France have a more homogenous religious identity, with Catholicism deeply rooted in their cultures. “In the U.S., the religious landscape is much more diverse,” Giulia explains. “The presence of evangelical Christianity, for example, creates a different dynamic. In some cases, Catholic groups in the U.S. may be more progressive simply because the conservative positions are already taken by evangelical groups.”
This diversity in the U.S. leads to what Giulia calls “market competition” between religious factions, further complicated by political affiliations. The outcome of elections, especially in the U.S., can significantly affect the relationship between religion and politics. As Giulia puts it, “If the country takes a more conservative turn, it may influence the role of religion in public debates on gender and social issues.”
Bridging Academia and the Real World
As an academic, Giulia understands the challenge of translating complex research into practical applications. “I think it’s important to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world activism,” she says. “I want to help activists, particularly those working on gender equality, by providing them with a deeper understanding of how religion shapes societal debates.”
Giulia hopes to organize seminars and workshops where activists can engage with academics to discuss how to create meaningful change. “Many academic studies on gender issues overlook the religious dimension,” she notes. “By bringing religion into the conversation, we can better understand the forces at play in shaping public opinion and policy.”
Balancing Academia and Family Life
As a mother of a two-and-a-half-year-old, Giulia is candid about the challenges of balancing academia and family. “It’s not easy, especially for women,” she admits. “Academia is highly competitive, and unfortunately, women are still a minority.” She highlights the need for more stable contracts and better maternity leave policies in academia, which would make it easier for women to pursue careers without sacrificing their personal lives.
Giulia’s own journey has been marked by international moves—from the Netherlands to Germany, Italy, and now the U.S.—which has added to the complexity of managing a family alongside a demanding career. “My daughter has already lived in three countries,” she says with a pained smile.
Despite these challenges, Giulia remains passionate about her work and encourages young women interested in academia to pursue their goals. “Academia needs more diversity. It needs more women, people of color, and non-binary individuals. The current system can’t continue to be dominated by a small minority of powerful men.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Throughout her career, Giulia has been fortunate to have female mentors who have helped her navigate the complexities of academia. Now, she’s committed to paying it forward. “It’s important not to forget the younger ones,” she says. “We need to lift each other up, particularly women entering the field.”
Giulia emphasizes that academia, like many other industries, can be harsh, but it doesn’t have to be. “We need to extend empathy, a traditionally feminine characteristic, to everyone. Helping others succeed doesn’t diminish your own success.”
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