Identity, Diversity and Inclusion

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_IDI

Course Objective

This course is designed to introduce students to the various issues concerning diversity and inclusion in an increasingly 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:How and why are identities based on ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality constructed by both insiders and outsiders?How do (groups within) European/Dutch societies respond to diversity?What are the relevant mechanisms of inclusion or exclusion?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:the relevant forms and dimensions of social identities; theories of identity construction, inclusion and exclusion; the questions, debates and policies on diversity in contemporary Western societies, and the differences between societies thereof; the challenges of contemporary developments
- such as globalization and individualization
- on contemporary forms of diversity.Application
- The student has acquired the competences to:apply acquired knowledge in the analysis of contemporary forms of diversity.Making judgements
- The student is able to demonstrate: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 diversity intersects 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.

Teaching Methods

Lectures.

Method of Assessment

Digital exam.

Literature

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

Target Audience

Students in the Minor Sociology and the Minor Gender & Diversity. Also open as an elective course for Exchange Students.

Additional Information

Please beware that the resit of the exam takes place in the second semester of the academic year (usually mid-February). And please beware that for taking the exam as well as the resit your physical presence at VU is required.