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About us Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences Psychology Research Units Social Psychology

Cultural change driven by modernization

Social Psychology

My research centers on the theme of the social psychology of cultural development. I study cultural changes that are caused by development aid in transforming and developing nations. In this context, my research focuses on the (often unintended) consequences of aid projects that introduce modern innovations in developing countries such as new technologies, microfinance services, novel education initiatives, and energy access. I am interested in how people create their identities and relate to others and how this may change through modernization. To study my theoretical reasoning I apply different methods such as field research and lab experiments around the world.

Researchers and partners

Behavioural and Social Sciences, Psychology

Education

Courses connected to this project
  • BA: Social environment and behaviour (PSBE2-04, PSBA2-04)
  • Master/ReMa: Cultural Psychology (PSMSB-12, GMCSIB15)
  • Master/ReMa: Personal, social, and cultural change (PSMSB-5, GMCSIB10)
  • Master/ReMa: Current topics of intergroup relations in society (PSMSB-10, GMCSIB12)
  • Guest lectures in other Masters (Master in International Humanitarian Action, Master in Management of Transfusion Medicine)
Selection of BA and MA student projects
  • Anything with respect to psychological and cultural change or differences in transforming and developing nations focusing on how people create their identities and relate to others
  • Anything with respect to psychological and cultural change or differences in transforming and developing nations focusing on how people create their identities and relate to others

Results

Publications
  • Hansen, N. (in press). Development aid. In L. Steg, K.E. Keizer, & A.P. Buunk (Eds.). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Managing Social Problems (2nd edition).
  • Hansen, N., & Postmes, T. (2013). Broadening the scope of societal change research: Psychological and political impacts of development aid. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 1(1), 273–292. doi:10.5964/jspp.v1i1.15
  • Hansen, N., Postmes, T., Tovote, K. A., & Bos, A. (2014). How modernization instigates social change laptop usage as a driver of cultural value change and gender equality in a developing country. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 45(8), 1229-1248. doi: 10.1177/0022022114537554
  • Hansen, N. (2015). The development of psychological capacity for action. The empowering effect of a microfinance programme on women in Sri Lanka. Journal of Social Issues, 71(3), 597-613. doi: 10.1111/josi.12130
Successful grant proposals and other achievements
  • Different project evaluations were funded by GIZ, NWO-WOTRO, 3ie, and DFID

University's focus areas

  • Sustainable Society

More information

  • Interview with Nina Hansen on Mindwise podcast “Applied research worldwide” (2015, August) https://soundcloud.com/mindwise-groningen/nina-hansen
  • De Harder, I., & van der Ploeg, Y. (April, 2015). Interview: The Spot. Dr. Nina Hansen (Interviewee). Dimensies. Journal of Psychology Groningen, 4-8.
  • Huis, M., Hansen, N., & Geiger, J. (29th October, 2014). A learning adventure in Ethiopia. [Blog]. Retrieved from http://mindwise-groningen.nl/
Last modified:28 March 2023 10.43 a.m.