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
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
Venezuela’s economic and political crisis has exponentially increased the transnational migration of Venezuelans to Colombia. Many migrants have established in central locations of Bogotá and the...Show moreVenezuela’s economic and political crisis has exponentially increased the transnational migration of Venezuelans to Colombia. Many migrants have established in central locations of Bogotá and the surrounding area searching for economic stability and healthcare services. Undocumented pregnant immigrants who need to access these services sometimes face roadblocks based on their documentation status. This thesis will explore and analyze undocumented migrants arriving in Bogotá and the surrounding area experience the process of pregnancy, and childbearing. To further understand how they negotiate and navigate policies and healthcare services using their social networks. This research took place over the course of two and a half months, using written analysis and audiovisual methods consisting of semistructured interviews and participant observation in non-profit organizations, hospitals, and homes of pregnant Venezuelan immigrants. The result is a film and text that work side by side to argue how pregnant immigrants navigate barriers of local policy and healthcare and acquire goods and services through the practice of bonding and bridging social networks. These networks allow them to obtain goods and services while also developing strong connections that provide emotional support.Show less
The Schilderswijk used to be a working-class neighbourhood, with predominantly white native Dutch residents, who have mostly left the area over the last three decades. This study seeks to answer...Show moreThe Schilderswijk used to be a working-class neighbourhood, with predominantly white native Dutch residents, who have mostly left the area over the last three decades. This study seeks to answer this question: how did the established Schilderswijk residents experience such a dramatic change in the ethnic makeup of their neighbourhood, and what effect did this have on their perceptions of local social cohesion? These experiences of change are explored through interviews with white native residents of the area. The first chapter of the analyses will provide the historical context to the stories of these residents. The second chapter paints a picture of the manner in which the residents remember the past, and the third chapter shows how these residents experienced change. Telling the story of these residents is important because this gives more insight into why diversity might have a negative effect on the perception of social cohesion in an area. This will fill a hiatus in scientific debates on the subject, but can also give policy makers insight to mechanisms underlying the policy problem of social cohesion in a diverse neighbourhood. Additionally, telling the story of people that experience loss and change can have a social value. This research gives a voice to those that might not feel like they are being heard.Show less
CCTs are a social policy that abides by market logic that underscores self-help and co-responsibility of state and households. However, there is little evidence that human capital promotion results...Show moreCCTs are a social policy that abides by market logic that underscores self-help and co-responsibility of state and households. However, there is little evidence that human capital promotion results in poverty alleviation. Firstly, because both the quantity and the quality of supply of social services falls short in Latin America. This is particularly the case for poor and hard to reach areas. Nevertheless, governments remain reluctant to invest in social infrastructure due to restricted budgets and political orientation. This creates extra costs and burdens for participants. Secondly, because CCTs have limited concern for gender in its policy design due to male-centered notions of well-being and agency. This tends to reproduce traditional gender roles and complementary intra-household inequalities since women are responsible for the children, working for income and in the home. Thirdly, because CCTs are unjustly perceived as cost-effective due to targeting mechanisms. Targeting is inherently discriminatory and is must follow a simplified perspectives of poverty in order to work. This however, disregards multidimensional aspects of poverty. This indicates that there is room for future study on societal interventions to combat gender inequality while simultaneously reduce structural and inter-generational poverty.Therefore, the research question focus on: How do large scale CCTs affect social inclusive development in Latin America from a feminist perspective?Show less
A large number of Southeast Asian female immigrants married Taiwanese men and have resided in Taiwan with a marital status since the 1990s. They are now the fifth biggest ethnic group and are...Show moreA large number of Southeast Asian female immigrants married Taiwanese men and have resided in Taiwan with a marital status since the 1990s. They are now the fifth biggest ethnic group and are officially called ‘New Immigrants’ in Taiwan. According to the Taiwan Social Change Survey conducted by Academia Sinica about the public attitude towards Southeast Asian marriage immigrants in 2004 and 2014 respectively, we find an evident pattern that the overall public attitude towards Southeast Asian marriage immigrants has become more positive and inclusive during this decade. In this thesis, on the basis of the survey data, I argue that the marriage immigrants’ social capital plays a pivotal role in the transformation of public discourse in Taiwan. I apply the theory of social capital to analyze how the New Immigrants’ social capital is generated, accumulated and exchanged, and focus on three forms of social capital: bonding, bridging and linking. I propose that a broad social network based on their social capitals enabling marriage immigrants to participate in public affairs is the core element which affects the overall attitude of the host country.Show less
This thesis investigates the relation between political disaffection and the rise of non-institutionalized political participation among the Mexican youth in the case of the #YoSoy132 movement....Show moreThis thesis investigates the relation between political disaffection and the rise of non-institutionalized political participation among the Mexican youth in the case of the #YoSoy132 movement. Theory on political disaffection, social capital and political participation together with the modern political history of Mexico and the #YoSoy132 movement are extensively analysed in order to examine the following hypothesis: in the case of the #YoSoy132 movement, political disaffection resulted in an increasing desire among the youth to participate in politics in order to oppose the Mexican regime. Since these youngsters badly distrust political parties and institutions, they are seeking unconventional ways to engage in politics. By producing new forms of social capital, the movement was able to grow and exert influence and power on politics while staying on the side lines to not become part of the “bad” practices of the Mexican government.Show less
