Belonging to social groups is a central way for people to participate in social life. Therefore, concerns over belonging and membership occupy a central place in sociological research. Under condition of globalization, however, the modalities of belonging are rapidly changing and under pressure. The following questions are central to this course: Who is allowed to belong in certain polities and communities? How is belonging territorialized, de-territorilized and reterritorialized through current processes of global change? What are the relationships of power among different communities? How are power hierarchies among communities in society established in the first place and how are they reproduced? What are the conditions under which belonging becomes institutionalized, secured through citizenship or other socio-legal regimes? Why do people wish to abandon certain forms of belonging? Students are expected to prepare each class through reading and homework.

Semester: WT 2024/25