PhD Courses in Denmark

Contents

The objective of the course “Experiences of indignity and inequality in society” is to delve into literature and discussions about the intersection between subjectivity, (in)dignity and (in)equality. We address literature that engage with the themes of indignity and inequality across different groups in society ranging from unemployed people to children’s experiences and conduct of everyday life in and across contexts such as school and daycare. In this way, we elaborate a social psychological perspective on inequality. This perspective connects inequality to unequal conditions for taking part, contributing and exerting influence in relation to key contexts of everyday life – leading to difficulties in relation to reconciling contradictory demands across life contexts and personal conflictuality in the conduct of everyday life.

We discuss what it means to address these questions from the vantage point of the subject with theories that in different ways take seriously that people actively engage with their surroundings and at the same are influenced by the conditions that are set in particular social contexts.

We discuss questions such as: Why are some people deemed more worthy than others and how does that relate to labor markets, social institutions and society at large? What makes citizens feel included or excluded in society? How may encounters with the labor market and welfare state institutions give rise to the experience of dignity or indignity?

We discuss theories on recognition, worth, moral economy and investigate the meaning and role of emotions (blame, shame, stigma, insecurity) and discuss the challenges in studying such phenomena. Furthermore, we discuss theoretical approaches to conduct of everyday life, historical contradictions in institutions and political conflicts in and about everyday life. Finally, students will get the chance to get in-depth feedback on their work from the course convenors and fellow participants.