What does this study entail?
How are social inequalities produced and maintained? Do family ties and education contribute to or improve inequalities? How can we make a positive contribution to our communities? This master's programme offers insights into the causes and consequences of social inequalities and sheds light on ways that individuals, groups, and governments can work toward social change.
We are witnesses to increasing social and political polarisation in our communities and countries while catchphrases such as detraditionalisation, globalisation, neoliberalism and automation involve real transformations of education, work and family life, of cities and states, and of people’s entitlements and international mobilities. Historic forces, such as colonization, are increasingly entering the public sphere of conversation as we connect the dots to pervasive inequalities today. Migration, whether voluntary or forced, has changed the face and structure of cities, schools and families whereas new technologies transform the very nature of our day-to-day lives. Within this context, it is vital to gain a better understanding of social inequalities to spur change.
Is this the right programme for you?
In this society studies programme, we want to understand the complex interplay between social structure, institutions, and individual behaviour. Therefore, it is important to bridge divisions between disciplines. This provides a detailed understanding of the ways in which social inequalities manifests across communities and contexts.
Due to the unique interdisciplinary approach, you will learn to answer questions like:
- How do social divisions such as race, ethnicity, class and gender frame our experiences of inequalities the world?
- How does the interaction between markets (e.g. availability, quality, and cost of services) and states (e.g. social policies and national laws) shape family experiences and social inequalities?
- How can policies and institutions produce, maintain, mitigate, or exacerbate social inequalities?
- How can we radically imagine a better future?
