Social Inclusion, Exclusion and Categorization

The course addresses the meaning of central concepts and processes for understanding and analyzing social inclusion, exclusion, and categorization from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. The course consists of two modules:

The first module addresses theories and concepts for understanding, analyzing, and critically examining processes related to inclusion, exclusion, and categorization at the individual, group, and societal levels. The theoretical perspectives are combined with in-depth knowledge of specific social problem areas in order to contribute to a greater understanding of the complexity of social phenomena. The module also highlights how political, institutional, and societal changes shape the conditions for different individuals’ opportunities for inclusion in society. In this course, there is a particular focus on disability, poverty, and homelessness.

The second module consists of a minor research project in which students, working in small groups, plan, carry out, and present in writing an empirical study within a defined research area relevant to the theme of the course.