Gender & Diversity

At the Gender & Diversity Studies department, we analyse how gender relates to other differences such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion and (dis)ability. We study the intersection of these differences and how they are socially and culturally constructed. We study how they change, what the resulting inequalities are in various (parts of) societies, and how some groups are included while others are excluded.

Gender & Diversity is one of the research groups of the interdisciplinary collaboration Radboud Gender & Diversity Studies.

Research

Our research is embedded within the Radboud Social and Cultural Research Institute. We use a multi-methodological and interdisciplinary approach, combining theories and methodologies from e.g. Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Pedagogy and Sexuality studies. This approach is needed because diversity and inequality are constituted by societal, cultural and individual elements. Through our research, we aim to contribute knowledge to promote a more inclusive and equitable society. Currently, the main focus of our research is on two societal themes:

Gender, diversity and inclusion in organisations

We examine the effects of power inequalities in organisations, the factors connected with them, and the structures that produce and reinforce them. In addition, we study the interventions that aim to improve equality and examine why these interventions are hardly effective and even produce counter effects.

Diversities in care

In this theme, we study how differences such as culture, gender, class, religion, ethnicity, migration status and age impact the accessibility and effectiveness of care, aiming to reduce power imbalances and inequalities in health and wellbeing.