Despite mounting ethnic polarization worldwide and research pointing to the benefits of building inter- ethnic ties, civil society organization’s role in abating polarization through the bridging...Show moreDespite mounting ethnic polarization worldwide and research pointing to the benefits of building inter- ethnic ties, civil society organization’s role in abating polarization through the bridging of people in ethnically divided societies is still under researched. Yet, how these organizations can work on cross- cutting issues in ethnically polarized countries is both impacted by, and could perhaps help counter, ethnic divisions. This thesis explores whether civil society organizations have the potential to diminish polarization through their work on cross-cutting issues such as gender-based violence. This is done through investigating the cases of three Indian civil society organizations working on its elimination: Astitva Samajik Sansthan, SAHAYOG and HUMSAFAR. Drawing on Putnam’s theory of social capital it is found that through uniting people around a shared threat, shared commitments, norms and mutual benefits, CSOs do have the potential to facilitate bridging between their members. Thus, it is concluded that CSOs working on cross-cutting issues of universal importance, which builds social capital and unites people over a common cause, could potentially provide opportunities for ethnic polarization to be reduced. Further research is however needed on the actual impact such organizations could have.Show less
“Sexual harassment in Egypt is a severe problem that affects almost all women in the country. The presence of the class struggle in Egypt, has influenced the way perpetrators and victims from...Show more“Sexual harassment in Egypt is a severe problem that affects almost all women in the country. The presence of the class struggle in Egypt, has influenced the way perpetrators and victims from certain classes are being perceived. Victims who are part of the upper-middle class in Egypt are overrepresented in the media, whereas women from lower classes who have experienced gender-based violence, are often neglected and their stories are mostly silenced. This class discrimination is also visible when analysing the treatment of perpetrators. Working-class, unemployed youth are often perceived as the typical sexual violator, while in reality women are being sexually harassed and assaulted by men from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Nevertheless, perpetrators of sexual harassment and assault that are part of the working-class, are overrepresented in Egypt and portrayed as if they are the only group that is guilty of these atrocities. This class discrimination is a result of the increasing securitisation of Egypt’s government, mostly after the revolution in 2011. This securitization has resulted in the working class in Egypt becoming even more marginalized and criminalized by nature”Show less