As Korea has globalized, so too has its discourse surrounding Korean transnational adoptees. Globalization of the issue can be seen in media portrayal of this group, where their canon of portrayal...Show moreAs Korea has globalized, so too has its discourse surrounding Korean transnational adoptees. Globalization of the issue can be seen in media portrayal of this group, where their canon of portrayal in Korean film and television is now accompanied by non-Korean works of visual media. Through a case study of Return to Seoul, a 2022 film by non-adoptee, non-Korean director Davy Chou, the thesis argues the following. While Return to Seoul as an independent foreign film on transnational Korean adoptees is in some capacity aware of Korea’s national wound and discourse, it is not meant to fit into existing Korean representations or answer to political incentives. Conversely, it is exactly through its divergence from existing portrayals that foreign film on the topic has the potential to resonate with its global audience, and create productive discourse on Korean-ness and foreign-ness.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
closed access
This thesis explores the role of nostalgia in shaping regional identity and political behavior in Eastern Germany, focusing on the rise of the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). It...Show moreThis thesis explores the role of nostalgia in shaping regional identity and political behavior in Eastern Germany, focusing on the rise of the far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). It examines the historical context of Eastern Germany post-1949, detailing socio-economic and political changes since reunification in 1990, and the emergence of right-wing attitudes. The concept of "Ostalgie," or nostalgia for the former East Germany (GDR), is analyzed, highlighting its socio-political impact and how the AfD manipulates these sentiments to gain support. The study investigates the party's use of historical narratives and symbols from the GDR era to foster a sense of shared identity and community among Eastern German voters. The thesis also discusses the social and political implications of the AfD's strategies, including increased neo-Nazi activity and anti-foreigner sentiments. Ultimately, it aims to understand the politicization of historical narratives and collective memory, emphasizing the need to resist extremist ideologies and promote a more inclusive society.Show less
Central Europe during the third millenium BC is characterized by changing cultures and high mobility. One of the cultures at the start of the millennium is the Corded Ware Culture (CWC), deviating...Show moreCentral Europe during the third millenium BC is characterized by changing cultures and high mobility. One of the cultures at the start of the millennium is the Corded Ware Culture (CWC), deviating from the Neolithic farmers and inheriting cultural traits from the Yamnaya-culture in the east, such as language, ideology and burial traditions. One of these burial traditions is the placement of dog remains in CWC burials. In previous research, dog teeth have been noted to be jewellery, purely aesthetic. These artefacts are also linked to the female gender. On the other hand, complete dogs are linked to the male gender and are noted to be higher valued as representation of the third millennium BC ideology. These conclusions are drawn based on the excavated burial complex, and perhaps one other correlated complex. At the time of writing this thesis, the archaeological research is lacking an overview of dog remains in CWC burials in Central Europe, and therefore a (supra)regional understanding of the dog motif. This thesis aims to elevate the practice of dog remains in burials, and therefore the dog motif, to a level higher than ‘just ornamental’ by answering the research question: How do patterns in the deposition of dog remains in third millennium BC burial sites in Central Europe inform us about the representation of dogs in Corded Ware Culture communities? With the sample data set of CWC burials from Central Europe patterns are traced by comparing burial types, orientation, flexing positions, age groups, types of remains and their placement within different types of depositions, and other burial goods. Based on these patterns, the thesis argues that the dog motif transitioned into referencing ancestry of both local Neolithic farmers as of the Yamnaya-nomads through a process called hybridization. The motif is linked to the high mobility of the period, due to the migratory character of wolves. The material representation functions also as a beacon for travelers, and as a mode of storytelling to mark boundaries the traveler is also part of or warned not to cross. The supraregional motif is spread, however, the implementation of the practice of wearing dog teeth is locally different. Especially canines were telling markers, because their shape was imitated in other animal bone in 25% of the burials. These were only encountered with left-flexed individuals, whereas the complete dogs seem to be linked, although not exclusively, to right-flexed individuals. The burial practice of placing dog remains in CWC burials could be one of the signs of the transformation from Neolithic Europe to the Early Bronze AgeShow less
The NATO intervention in Kosovo sparked the debate on an enhanced role for regional organizations in the promotion of international peace and security. In an attempt to reconcile another debate on...Show moreThe NATO intervention in Kosovo sparked the debate on an enhanced role for regional organizations in the promotion of international peace and security. In an attempt to reconcile another debate on the tension between sovereignty and human rights, the Responsibility to Protect was unanimously adopted at the World Summit in 2005. Various regional organizations have argued for increased autonomy in the regional implementation of the Responsibility to Protect, including the African Union and ASEAN. The the impact of regional dynamics on the regionalization of a global norm has been under-examined. In particular, the impact of regional identity has been unexplored. Grounded in the constructivist approach, this exploratory research aims to provide examination of the relation between regional identities and the Responsibility to Protect. Discourse analysis and the case studies of atrocities in Libya and Myanmar find that identity can function as a narrative to legitimize or delegitimize particular aspects of the Responsibility to Protect. Regional contexts and values must thus be taken into account when promoting international normsShow less
Since 2005, despite restricting immigration policies, the Netherlands has had a persistent growth of migrants with a Russian background and of Russian-speaking migrants from other countries; more...Show moreSince 2005, despite restricting immigration policies, the Netherlands has had a persistent growth of migrants with a Russian background and of Russian-speaking migrants from other countries; more than half of these immigrants are women. This thesis gains an insight into how the urban environment in Dutch cities contributes to the sense of belonging of Russian-speaking first-generation migrant women and to the (potential) conflict among them and with the host society. Overall, Dutch cities allow these women to establish a meaningful connection with Dutch culture and history. Urban space, its history and aesthetics provide a framework to connect women’s personal narratives to a broader cultural and historical context. This, in turn, shapes local urban identity, which facilitates the immigrants’ sense of belonging and, consequently, the integration process. Additionally, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has heightened the awareness towards Russian-speaking women’s identities and the Russian language’s increased presence in Dutch cities, which in turn has influenced tensions and the possibility of conflicts at the local level and primarily in urban spaces.Show less
Since 2005, despite restricting immigration policies, the Netherlands has had a persistent growth of migrants with a Russian background and of Russian-speaking migrants from other countries; more...Show moreSince 2005, despite restricting immigration policies, the Netherlands has had a persistent growth of migrants with a Russian background and of Russian-speaking migrants from other countries; more than half of these immigrants are women. This thesis gains an insight into how the urban environment in Dutch cities contributes to the sense of belonging of Russian-speaking first-generation migrant women and to the (potential) conflict among them and with the host society. Overall, Dutch cities allow these women to establish a meaningful connection with Dutch culture and history. Urban space, its history and aesthetics provide a framework to connect women’s personal narratives to a broader cultural and historical context. This, in turn, shapes local urban identity, which facilitates the immigrants’ sense of belonging and, consequently, the integration process. Additionally, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has heightened the awareness towards Russian-speaking women’s identities and the Russian language’s increased presence in Dutch cities, which in turn has influenced tensions and the possibility of conflicts at the local level and primarily in urban spaces.Show less
This thesis examines why BRICS emerged among Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, despite the dissimilarities between these countries. Following a constructivist approach, this thesis...Show moreThis thesis examines why BRICS emerged among Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, despite the dissimilarities between these countries. Following a constructivist approach, this thesis assumes that regions are not fixed but rather constituted and constructed through ideational factors. As such, BRICS is considered a ‘virtual region’. The aim of this thesis is to explain the process through which a collective identity paved the way for cooperation among the countries. The analysis shows that the BRICS identity is rooted in the longer-standing narrative about the Global South. The shared identity facilitated the alignment of their interests. Despite some variation, a development-multipolarity discourse is identified. The countries not only seek economic development within BRICS and the Global South, but also a greater voice in global governance. The creation of a collective identity and the alignment of interests paved the way for BRICS to emerge as virtual region, embedded in the Global South narrative.Show less
The current study aimed to investigate the development of commitment, reconsideration, and self concept clarity in adolescents aged 11-24 at three different time points. Moreover, it examined the...Show moreThe current study aimed to investigate the development of commitment, reconsideration, and self concept clarity in adolescents aged 11-24 at three different time points. Moreover, it examined the relationship between the variables and the development of the specific relationship over time. It was expected that commitment and self-concept clarity would be related positively with age, while reconsideration would be related negatively. In addition, it was assumed that commitment would have a positive correlation with self-concept clarity and that the relationship would develop positively throughout adolescence. Lastly, it was assumed that reconsideration would relate negatively with self-concept clarity and the relationship would develop negatively throughout the different time points. Adolescents (N = 198, M age = 16.6) completed the 12-item measure of self concept clarity (SCC) and the single-item version of the Utrecht Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS). A repeated measures ANOVA showed no evidence of development in the SCC (p = .46), commitment (p = .34), and reconsideration (p = .20). A Pearson correlation coefficient analysis performed a positive correlation between commitment and SCC (r = .19) and a negative correlation between reconsideration and SCC (r = -.21). Α nonlinear development in the relationship between SCC with commitment and SCC with reconsideration was found within the three different time points. Future research on the relationship and development between the above variables should include a larger and more diverse sample and questionnaire items that will provide more insights and detailed data about identity formation and SCC. In addition, future research should also consider other developmental factors that influence the sense of self and identity formation.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
closed access
Following the pioneer work of Bettie,Ortner and McRobbie, this thesis analyzes how cultural discourses arisen from big societal trends in the last decades have contributed to a limited...Show moreFollowing the pioneer work of Bettie,Ortner and McRobbie, this thesis analyzes how cultural discourses arisen from big societal trends in the last decades have contributed to a limited consideration of young women’s class realities. As the internet has become part of everyday life, it has opened up new possibilities for identity formation and representation. Following the increasing blurring between offline and online spaces and identities, the analysis also looks at class, at the intersection of other social axes, as it acquires a transmediated nature, and presents the ways in which online presence and practice remains highly classed and gendered. The three chapters unveil the influence of postfeminism, neoliberalism, and postindustrialism on class expressions, the impact of digital spaces on identity negotiation, and the agency of young women in countering dominant discursive structures. Through an intersectional and transmediated lens, this work emphasizes the importance of recognizing class complexities within contemporary identities. By connecting historical insights with present-day considerations, it contributes to a comprehensive understanding of class dynamics and the nuanced interactions between class, gender, and digital spaces. Current considerations include the content of popular discourse and media, the use of digital spaces and a conceptualization of internet aesthetics such as 'cottagecore' and 'dark academia'. Each chapter offers a specific lens into why and how the class realities of young women are both expressed and hidden through the current prevalent discourses informing the construction, explanation and understanding of young women’s identities.Show less
This thesis has sought to answer how gara, a type of embroidery embellished on traditional sari, works as a communicative tool of Parsi identity to both non-Parsi and Parsi. In order to achieve...Show moreThis thesis has sought to answer how gara, a type of embroidery embellished on traditional sari, works as a communicative tool of Parsi identity to both non-Parsi and Parsi. In order to achieve this, we shall see first how dress is able to communicate identity to oneself and others through a process this thesis dubs embellishment, before focusing in on the social, historical, and religious aspects of gara, and uncovering what collective Parsi identity is communicated through gara exactly. This thesis concludes that the process of embellishment communicates an identity that is Parsi through applying an identity narrative on dress which is interacted with by others to formulate a temporarily fixed identity of the wearer. This identity narrative embellished on gara has social, historical, and religious roots, all of which are discussed in the thesis at length. This thesis thus answers two important questions in the study of identity communication through dress, by explaining how identity can be transmitted though dress, as well as how this identity is formulated.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
This ethnographic research takes an in-depth look at the identities of refugees (and other border-crossers), refugee communities and politics of belonging. Through the ethnographic method of...Show moreThis ethnographic research takes an in-depth look at the identities of refugees (and other border-crossers), refugee communities and politics of belonging. Through the ethnographic method of narrative approach, it explores the perceptions of refugees on their identity, communities and work and shows how these affect and are affected by politics of belonging. Using ethnographic methods of participant observation and informal interviews in the geographic area of Athens and Piraeus, Greece, I explore contested refugee narratives about refugee identity, refugee communities and work. I use “refugee communities” and “work”, as the main lens through which to discuss what protects, supports or helps them outside and aside of the humanitarian and the asylum system. I discuss the terms of “refugee” and “refugee community”, showing the complex ways people and theory make sense of them. The main argument of my analysis is that, dealing with the so called “refugee crisis”, also means examining our perceptions on the contested narratives around refugee identities and making the choice to “stay close” to people, who already make up part of our societies.Show less
In November 2014, India’s newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the “Act East Policy” (AEP), which aims to increase economic and strategic cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries and...Show moreIn November 2014, India’s newly elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the “Act East Policy” (AEP), which aims to increase economic and strategic cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries and deepen cultural relationships. It does so on a regional, multilateral, and bilateral level. Although there is academic literature on this policy, most of the literature looks at the AEP through a realist lens, thereby considering it a mere “balancing” effort against China’s increasing influence in the region. This thesis opts to diversify the literature on the AEP by taking a constructivist approach. In doing so it seeks to understand how the ruling Hindu Nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) conceptions of India’s state identity have shaped the AEP. Using the value-action framework and process-tracing method, this thesis finds that there are three identities which create values that shape the BJP’s preferences for the AEP. Firstly, the “challenged state” identity gives rise to the ‘increasing national security’ value. The second identity, a “once-thriving civilization”, gives rise to two closely connected values: ‘creating an economically stronger India’ and ‘ensuring India gets its rightful place in the comity of nations and international institutions’. Lastly, the “democracy shaped by Hinduism in a changing Asian landscape” identity gives rise to the ‘establishing a democratic and rules-based international order’ value. However, through assessment of India’s wider foreign policy behaviour this thesis finds that these values do not all carry equal weight. It argues that the pursuit of national security, prosperity and indirectly the pursuit of India’s “rightful place” on the international stage were the main factors leading to the establishment of the AEP. Thus, concluding that the “challenged” state and “once-thriving civilization” identities have more influence on the AEP under BJP rule than the “democracy shaped by Hinduism in a changing Asian landscape” identity.Show less
Several Belarusian artists began including re-appropriated folkloric imagery and art-making techniques in response to anti-dictatorial protests, which erupted in Belarus on May 24th, 2020 following...Show moreSeveral Belarusian artists began including re-appropriated folkloric imagery and art-making techniques in response to anti-dictatorial protests, which erupted in Belarus on May 24th, 2020 following the rigged elections. Rufina Bazlova was one such artist, who documented the protest events in The History of the Belarusian Vyzhyvanka (2020-2021). This digitally-native artwork was mechanically embroidered to mimic traditional Belarusian cross-stitch embroidery on linen shirts- vyshyvankas. Using Bazlova as a case study, this paper examines how, and to what extent, the interweaving of digital and folk-storytelling in contemporary Belarusian art contributes to the representation of a post-2020 Belarusian identity, perpetuated across mass- media since 2020. In exploring this investigation through Peircean semiotics and anthropological methodologies, this thesis shows: how folkloric imagery and material heritage contribute to a distinctly Belarusian identity through their indexical and symbolic meaning, which also gives them anti-colonial agency; and how their contemporary re-contextualisation within the digital creates a historical continuity between former oppositional identities and a uniquely digital, post-2020 identity. In doing so, this research targets a common misconception of a lacking Belarusian culture and identity.Show less
