Jochem Tolsma appointed as professor by special appointment of Social Divisions between Groups
As of March 1, 2021, Jochem Tolsma has been appointed as professor by special appointment of Social Divisions between Groups in the Department of Sociology at the University of Groningen. The chair is supported by the James Coleman Association.
Social Divisions
Tolsma will be primarily focusing on describing social divisions. Social divisions arise when different groups have no contact with each other anymore (segregation), opportunities between groups differ (inequality), and when members of the different groups hold clearly different views (polarization). These developments affect the social cohesion within a society and can lead to group conflicts, hinder economic development and threaten democracy. Tolsma focuses primarily on the relationships between these issues. 'Within sociology, segregation, inequality and polarization are often studied in isolation, but it is important that we study these areas of research together because they are related' Tolsma says.
Furthermore, he will also be involved in systematic theory building and methodology development to critique existing thinking. Is segregation always a bad thing? Are heated online discussions and violent demonstrations a good indicator of polarization? When do social divisions lead to manifest group conflict? 'This topic is currently in the spotlight and much is being said about it, but this is often not based on data. With my research I want to contribute to a scientific foundation to help discuss these issues,' continues Tolsma.
About Jochem Tolsma
Jochem Tolsma studied General Natural Sciences at Radboud University Nijmegen. After a foray as a youth worker in Bos en Lommer Amsterdam, he began studying Social Issues and Policy at the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam. He received his PhD from Radboud University/ICS in 2009. Tolsma combines his position as professor by special appointment at the University of Groningen with his position as associate professor of social inequality at Radboud University in Nijmegen.
| Last modified: | 01 March 2021 11.16 a.m. |
More news
-
06 October 2021
Alumni interview: Five lessons from the career of truth-telling expert Riekje Stokes
Riekje Stokes (56) studied psychology and specialized herself in psychological interviewing. Now she has her own company, Stokes Interrogation Strategy, and she trains, coaches and advises professionals engaged in truth-finding communication.
-
05 October 2021
How do anorexia patients resist hunger?
Food. Our bodies cannot live without it and start to complain if they need it. How are individuals with anorexia able to repress this natural need so strongly? Psychologist Klaske Glashouwer is investigating this question. She suspects that they...
-
28 September 2021
Researcher’s ideals inspire practical applications
Social psychologist Nina Hansen is a doer. She likes nothing better than to put theoretically driven research into practice with a view to making recommendations that can be implemented immediately. ‘I want to promote the link between research and...