Why this programme

Social Inequalities

What does this study entail?

How are social inequalities produced and maintained? Why are family ties becoming more important in order to be successful in life? How can public policies help to reduce social inequalities? This master programme offers insights into the causes and consequences of social inequality and sheds light on ways in which public policies can reduce it.

At the local, national and global levels, an intense period of social transformation and fragmentation can be observed. 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 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 both cities and families whereas new technologies transform both work and urban government. These social transformations have led to growing social inequalities across countries in the world. 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, family environment and individual behaviour. Therefore, it is important to bridge divisions between disciplines. This provides a detailed understanding of the ways in which social inequality manifests itself across diverse communities and contexts. Both at the national and international level.

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?
  • What has been the impact of the recent economic crisis on individuals' living and working conditions, their family and career choices, and on social inequalities?
  • 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?
  • What is the impact of changes on the macro-level (e.g. policy changes such as those aiming at higher levels of individual responsibility; parental leave) on individual life courses and outcomes (e.g. employment, health, and socioeconomic status)?
  • How can policies and institutions produce, maintain, mitigate, or exacerbate social inequalities?

Social Inequalities

Graduation day of the master Social Inequalities in 2020
Introduction day of the master Social Inequalities in 2021

Testimonials

Jet Veenhoff

Jet Veenhoff - Alumna Social Inequalities

I have learned so much about current events and issues in a clear and non-abstract manner, this programme gives you information you can really dig your hands into.
Jet Veenhoff testimonial
I have learned so much about current events and issues in a clear and non-abstract manner, this programme gives you information you can really dig your hands into.

After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Arts and Culture at Erasmus University, I took a full 2 years to decide what to do next. I knew I loved gender studies, sociology, and psychology and loved studying that Erasmus, however I also wanted to do something that was in tune with real issues connected to the world around me. I wanted to do something where I was dealing with relevant societal topics and I was unwilling to limit myself to only one aspect of society. After 2 years (and a pandemic) I finally found a programme that suited my needs and aspirations, the Social Inequalities programme.

In the Social Inequalities programme I feel I have flourished in ways I had not foreseen, and I look back at it with positive feelings only. Something that is of great value, and is also quite unique, is the programme's small scale. It is quite unique within academics, and adds so much value to the experience of being a student in the programme. There is close contact with the heads of the programme, the teachers, and the tutors. Everyone is incredibly kind, helpful, and understanding of personal situations, which makes navigating the programme and dealing with the pressures of university a lot easier. Next to that I have thoroughly enjoyed the fact that everything I have learned has been rooted in, and connected to, the world around me. I have learned so much about current events and issues in a clear and non-abstract manner, this programme gives you information you can really dig your hands into. Moreover, within the assignments there is often space to pick topics that you as a student find most interesting, you have a personal connection to, or you wish to learn more about. This makes studying a lot more fun, as you’re allowed to follow your passions.

The last thing about the programme that really stuck with me, is its human approach to tough topics. Although, from an academic perspective, I have found that the topics discussed in the program have been incredibly interesting, at times it can be hard to constantly think about social inequalities and the ways in which people are essentially suffering. Especially during the introductory course there was space to discuss how we, as students, felt during the start of the programme. Is it hard to think about these issues sometimes? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed? Are some problems hitting close to home? It was completely okay to share this with  fellow students and teachers, and everyone was more than supportive. I’ve really enjoyed having this communal feeling throughout the programme.  On top of that there was such a willingness to receive and incorporate feedback. There was a lot of room for discussion about what ways of teaching work best for the group, and what might be causing issues. To me this was really refreshing and creates a really nice and open atmosphere in which it is easy to feel safe and at home.

All in all, this programme has been an incredible experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. For all of you interested in understanding, dissecting, and resolving social issues in today’s society, bring your passion along to this programme!

Jet Veenhoff testimonial

Quote Renske Keizer - Social Inequalities

Prof. dr. Renske Keizer - Coordinator of the programme

In the last couple of decades, throughout the world, social inequalities have grown. We need to understand the social processes that sustain inequality and to develop social policies that can reduce it.
Prof. dr. Renske Keizer
In the last couple of decades, throughout the world, social inequalities have grown. We need to understand the social processes that sustain inequality and to develop social policies that can reduce it.
Prof. dr. Renske Keizer

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