Identity, Diversity and Inclusion

Course Objective

This course is designed to introduce students to the various issues
concerning diversity and inclusion in an increasing globalizing world.
The course focuses in particular on contemporary issues concerning
processes of inclusion and exclusion in the Dutch/European context.

The central questions in this course are:

1. How and why are identities based on ethnicity, gender, class and
sexuality constructed by both insiders and outsiders?
2. How do (groups within) European/Dutch societies respond to diversity?
3. What are the relevant mechanisms of inclusion or exclusion?
4. How should we contextualize current debates and practices related to
inclusion/exclusion processes in relation to Dutch/European historical
developments?

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding - The student has acquired knowledge and
understanding of:
(1) the relevant forms and dimensions of social identities;
(2) theories of identity construction, inclusion and exclusion;
(3) the questions, debates and policies on diversity in contemporary
Western societies, and the differences between societies thereof;
(4) the challenges of contemporary developments - such as globalization
and individualization - on contemporary forms of diversity.

Application - The student has acquired the competences to:
(5) apply acquired knowledge in the analysis of contemporary forms of
diversity.

Making judgements - The student is able to demonstrate:
(6) a critical stance in contemporary debates over identity, diversity
and inclusion.

Course Content

Identity issues have become very prominent in our globalizing world.
While migration is often presented as one of the main causes of the
increasing emphasis on identity, other developments, such as those
related to (cultural) globalization and economic transformations, have
had a strong impact as well. In addition to ethnic and religious
diversity, gender inequalities, class differences and issues related to
sexual diversity have changed The Netherlands and other European
societies. Ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality are markers of
identity, but have also become axes of inclusion and exclusion in
contemporary European societies.

This course discusses how ethnic and religious diversity intersect with
other forms of diversity. While historical constructions of the nation
were already gendered, in contemporary discourses on national identity,
gender and sexuality have become more prominent as markers of
national inclusion and exclusion. Or, as in Europe ethnic diversity
largely coincides with class distinctions, how does this affect feelings
of
belonging and inclusion?

Various identity aspects will be studied in relation to possible
reactions to
experienced threats to identity and/or social exclusion. The course will
also
zoom in on cases of local conflict and on contemporary debates related
to the subject,
like the one on feminist solidarity in an age of diversity.

Additional Information Teaching Methods

Lectures.

Method of Assessment

Digital exam.

Literature

TBA, various articles including texts by Cooper (2015), Crul (2016),
Young (1990), Woodward (2003), and others (see CANVAS).

Additional Information Target Audience

2nd year bachelorstudents in Cultural Anthropology and Development
Sociology.
Students in the Minor Sociology, the Minor Development and Global
Challenges, and the Minor Gender & Diversity.
Also open as an elective course for Exchange Students.