Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
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This thesis explores the similarities and differences on social media of adolescents and young adults, in Europe, who are in denial or not regarding climate change. Also, the public figures’ online...Show moreThis thesis explores the similarities and differences on social media of adolescents and young adults, in Europe, who are in denial or not regarding climate change. Also, the public figures’ online activism, Naomi Seibt (young German climate-denier activist) and Greta Thunberg (young Swedish climate activist), are rigorously studied to draw comparisons between non- deniers and deniers. Then, the research question addressed in this thesis is: What are the similarities and differences between the young individuals, in Europe, who are in denial or not regarding climate change, on social media? To compare both groups online, a contextualization background and a justification are provided to understand why some young individuals remain in denial despite a scientific consensus convinced on the existence and negative impacts of climate change. Also, it explores which social actors outside the scope of this thesis can benefit from the analysis brought. Additionally, the main social actors (non-deniers, deniers, and social media) are defined, and a theory is drawn to brainstorm this thesis’ puzzle. In terms of methodology, literature review and research on Seibt’s and Thunberg’s social media activities have been performed, and ethical considerations have been taken into account to not harm observed online users. Furthermore, similarities and differences between non-deniers and deniers individuals are extensively examined in four empirical sections. The first one explores the social factors and background that would lead one to express denial or not. The second one discusses the conceptualisation of science by both groups on social media. The third section talks about the identity formation regarding climate change online. The last one analyses the expressed mistrust on social media, individuals in denial or not have in wider societal structures and social actors. Finally, concluding remarks and further suggested research is detailed.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
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This research explores the link between social stratification, spatial segregation, capital allocation, agency and power. Poelenburg and Oude Westen, two ‘deprived’ neighborhoods in the Netherlands...Show moreThis research explores the link between social stratification, spatial segregation, capital allocation, agency and power. Poelenburg and Oude Westen, two ‘deprived’ neighborhoods in the Netherlands, are the stage of this research. The article follows the analysis of social stratification as a structure in which people are hierarchized along the lines of their social role in that structure. This hierarchy causes for unequal resource allocation, spatial segregation and stigmatization. This is shown in a lack of cultural, social, economic and symbolic capital by the residents in both neighborhoods. However, the findings of this research show how institutional actors in each neighborhood are creating a framework of opportunities for the youth. Consequently, the youth become active agents in accumulating capital by countering the assumed habitus of the fields they engage in. The research concludes with four examples of how the youth in Poelenburg and Oude Westen are claiming power by accumulating capital. This poses an answer to the main research question: How do youth and institutional actors in Oude Westen and Poelenburg co-create opportunities wherein the youth can accumulate capital by countering the assumed habitus of their social fields and thereby claiming power to, power with and power from within?Show less
Reward processing abnormalities have been observed in individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both behavioral and neuroimaging studies. Models of reinforcement learning...Show moreReward processing abnormalities have been observed in individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both behavioral and neuroimaging studies. Models of reinforcement learning in healthy individuals have laid the foundation for neurobiological theories addressing reward processing in ADHD. In healthy individuals, dopamine responses in ventral striatum (VS) gradually shift from actual rewards received (prediction error [PE]), toward cues which reliably predict such rewards (reward expectancy [RE]). Drawing on these observations, two theories posit that either low striatal dopamine (dynamic developmental theory) or failed signal shifts per se (dopamine transfer deficit theory) are behind reward-processing deficits in individuals with ADHD. However, the predicted signal abnormalities have not been examined directly. Forty-two participants with ADHD and 56 typically developing (TD) controls participated in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reward paradigm examining whole-task and temporal-change measures of PE and RE. Results showed that, contrary to theoretical predictions, the groups did not differ in either an overall measure of RE, or a composite index of PE-RE signal shifts. Furthermore, while overall PE activity was higher in the ADHD group (partly supporting the dopamine transfer deficit theory, which allows for high PE), observed decreases over time were similar between the groups (which was unexpected). Exploratory dimensional analyses showed that while a positive linear relationship between hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and RE was present in the full group, a quadratic (inverse U-shape) model better explained this relation in a sub-sample with currently-diagnosed ADHD, possibly supporting a model of downregulation due to higher symptoms. Finally, there were no significant associations between the index of temporal signal shifts and symptoms, or between overall PE and symptoms. In sum, results do not support the dynamic developmental theory, and only partially support the dopamine transfer deficit theory. Additionally, results suggest that overall signals, rather than dynamic changes, are better able to differentiate ADHD whether at the group level (PE) or at the individual level (RE). Increased PE in ADHD also suggests that immediate rewards (versus delayed reward anticipation cues) may be a useful strategy for interventions.Show less
The introduction of biometric SIM card registration in January 2020 requiring proof of citizenship or legal status highlighted the critical importance of mobile telephony to the livelihoods of...Show moreThe introduction of biometric SIM card registration in January 2020 requiring proof of citizenship or legal status highlighted the critical importance of mobile telephony to the livelihoods of refugees in Dar-es-Salaam. Under the Tanzanian asylum regime, legally registered refugees are neither allowed to leave their camps nor work formally. On the other hand, urban refugees with no legal status depend on mobile connectivity for creating a livelihood informally. With formal employment opportunities limited even for Tanzanian citizens, new forms of mobility in the digital era and translocal connections become lifelines for new opportunities. This thesis explores the ways in which youth in Dar-es-Salaam, both refugees and citizens, creatively use and appropriate mobile phones and social media to navigate their livelihoods. Based on interviews, focus group discussions, and digital observations during three months of research in Dar-es-Salaam, this thesis identifies three common ways of using mobile phone and social media for income generation outside of secure employment: digitally mediated communication with financial supporters, intermediation in sales transactions, and commerce via social media. The findings suggest that the interplay of both online and offline and local and translocal networks allows urban youth to capitalize on their social ties successfully. While this inventive appropriation of mobile technology enables youth to overcome the challenges of urban life, this thesis also highlights the limitations of digital mobility in resolving structural inequalities.Show less
Inspired by social movements emerging across the globe such as the Occupy Movement in the United States, this master thesis investigates the influence they have on youth political socialization....Show moreInspired by social movements emerging across the globe such as the Occupy Movement in the United States, this master thesis investigates the influence they have on youth political socialization. Keeping in mind the context of western democracies and the privileged easy access to digital media and social networks, this dissertation investigates the effects of the different aspects of new social movements on youth and to what extend this can influence their participation in the political life. The literature review will go over the following topics composing the theoretical framework of this work: the civil society and public participation in western democracies on a broad level, social movement theory, the role of new social media and digital platforms in politics, and finally an overview of the literature on youth’s political participation. In order to investigate the incentives pushing younger demographics to engage in social movements such as the ones previously listed, this thesis will ask the following research question: how technology-enabled youth engage in new social movements? In attempt to answer this question, I argue that (1) new social movements are mainly structured and organized through digital platforms, using social networks to mobilize more people, and (2) young citizens in western democracies use the internet and digital platforms as an information tool and feel disconnected from the traditional political actors. This thesis will be simply structures: the first chapter will consist of an introduction of the issue addressed here. The second chapter will encompass the literature review, going over the existing literature on the framework mentioned before and the limitations it presents. The third chapter will analyse the effects of civic engagement on youth and will be followed by a case study on Occupy Wall Street, examining the role of youth and technology in that movement. The last chapter will consist of the conclusion.Show less
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are the biggest marginalised group in the world, especially within the context of the global South. Having a disability is linked to extreme poverty because of...Show morePersons with disabilities (PWDs) are the biggest marginalised group in the world, especially within the context of the global South. Having a disability is linked to extreme poverty because of lacking social services, high medical costs and low employment rates. These challenges contribute to a low self-esteem among young persons with physical impairments. On top of that, societal prejudices and negatives stereotypes about PWDs only further deteriorate their situation. This thesis clarifies the potential that role models have in disability advocacy, something that has never been researched before. Field research in Zambia demonstrated that role models have the potential to (1) address the negative self-esteem of youth with disabilities, (2) stimulate their pro-active attitude, (3) strengthen their ability to speak out and (4) enhance group solidarity. These outcomes are realised through indirect engagement between role models and disabled youth (through observation) and direct engagement (through teaching and feedback).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
The issue on school dropouts has a great effect on societies and when a country faces the problem, it is mostly the largest problem in its educational system. This counts as well for Puerto Rico,...Show moreThe issue on school dropouts has a great effect on societies and when a country faces the problem, it is mostly the largest problem in its educational system. This counts as well for Puerto Rico, the island faces a problem with school dropouts and it is clear that intervention programs are desired to give support on solving this problem and therewith to increase Quality Of Life (QOL) of youth. In Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico Youth ChalleNGe Academy (PRYCA), is one of these intervention programs and therewith, this field research answers the following research question: “How does PRYCA contribute to the quality of life of its students?”Show less
Research master thesis | Asian Studies (research) (MA)
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This thesis examines the ways in which the history of 1965-66 is remembered and represented in contemporary Indonesia, both in national public space and among a group of high school pupils in...Show moreThis thesis examines the ways in which the history of 1965-66 is remembered and represented in contemporary Indonesia, both in national public space and among a group of high school pupils in Yogyakarta. The history of 1965-66, a history of mass killings and imprisonment of hundreds of thousands of alleged communist Indonesians, has for a long time been silenced and mystified by anti-communist myth-making that was created under Suharto’s authoritarian rule. Despite the end of Suharto’s regime in 1998 and numerous attempts to counter the state propaganda, this master-narrative that labels victims as perpetrators deserving of their fate is still widely available in contemporary Indonesian state and society. This thesis examines how and why master- and counter-narratives of “1965” continue to exist and circulate in Indonesia today. By combining a focus on contestations of the past in public space with research into the perceptions of the younger generation in particular, it explores how the politics of memory work in everyday practice. A survey conducted among 170 high school pupils in Yogyakarta provides unique insight into the highly complex and problematic ways in which the history of 1965-66 is remembered by a group of young Indonesians today. Thereby, this thesis provides further insight into the lasting legacies of mass violence in post-authoritarian Indonesia.Show less
South Sudan has been in war since 1955. Devastating consequences of both successive civil wars, and conflicts both within and between different ethnical clans, have resulted in an education system...Show moreSouth Sudan has been in war since 1955. Devastating consequences of both successive civil wars, and conflicts both within and between different ethnical clans, have resulted in an education system that is world’s worst. Among other things, this has resulted in an extremely low illiteracy rate, namely, an illiteracy rate of 73% for the boys and 81% for the girls in 2013 (VAS 66). In addition, in 2013, 1.3 million children of primary school age had no access to any form of education; a number that shows how daunting the context of basic education South Sudan really is (VAS 66; Linden et al, 651). Is there any hope left for a better future for South Sudan and its population, when there is hardly any opportunity for (quality) schooling, and therewith development? Through the use of existing literature on education in South Sudan, several case-studies, and in-depth interviews, the objective of this paper is to help pinpoint the importance of education in South Sudan, both for boys and girls. Through devoting sections to the history of the two civil wars, the political point of view of the role of ethnicity, and the role of South Sudanese culture in explaining the high drop-out, this paper looks at education from different perspectives. It discusses the current state of education in South Sudan, the importance of education, with reasons specific to South Sudan, and refers to possible manners on how both quantity and quality of education can be improved in South Sudan. This paper makes use of the most recent data available on education in South Sudan. For example by using the data from the 2009 National Baseline Household Survey, which was “the first nationally representative household consumption survey conducted in Sudan”, the Educational Management Information System of South Sudan, that highlights gaps in educational services, and the Village Assessment Survey of 2013. The latter has been used across South Sudan for humanitarian and development purposes; providing detailed information on access to basic services, healthcare, education, infrastructure and other key indicators. Altogether, this paper looks at the context of education in South Sudan, in order to find out whether education can attribute to youth being ‘the hope of the nations’ future’; developing the country through peace- and nation building.Show less
