Author Archives: Christianne

Video | Rural Sociology vs. Sociology of Development and Change Explained

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Video | Are you a student interested in Rural Sociology (RSO) and wondering how it compares to Sociology of Development and Change (SDC) at Wageningen University & Research?

At Rural Sociology, we study societal change, inequality, and power with a focus on food, agriculture, and rural development. In this video, we explore how RSO and SDC approach these topics differently and what that means for your studies and research opportunities.

How does this relate to your interests? Our PhD researchers take you to Fruitproeverij Zandberg, an alternative agriculture site, to show how both groups conduct real-world research—helping you discover which themes and methods resonate with you.

Watch now to explore your options for courses, theses, or future research. Still unsure? Reach out to our education coordinator or drop by our hallway for a chat. A special thanks to Fruitproeverij Zandberg for allowing us to film at their inspiring location!

SWIFT Project: Strengthening Gender and Diversity in Agriculture

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Last November, the SWIFT consortium gathered in Geneva for an inspiring and thought-provoking mid-term meeting. Over four days, researchers, farmers, and activists came together to share progress, exchange ideas, and discuss the future of gender and diversity in agriculture. From immersive discussions at Ferme du Lignon to policy debates at the Geneva Graduate Institute, the event highlighted the importance of feminist and queer perspectives in shaping agricultural policies.

Key topics included:
– Building feminist viability indicators with women farmers
– Participatory video-making for agroecological storytelling
– Gendered analysis of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy
– Strengthening visibility and rights of LGBTQIA+ farmers

Georgia Diamanti and Clara Lina Bader have captured these moments beautifully in their reflections, from engaging panels to farm visits that demonstrated alternative models of agriculture in action. Read their insights on the challenges and opportunities ahead for gender justice in food and farming!

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What is the power of citizenship?

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Elective evening course: Major Works in Social Sciences (RSO59030)

What is citizenship? Why does it matter? How does it help us understand power in society?
Citizenship serves on one hand, as an apparatus of governance—a mechanism through which power is exercised via institutions, policies, and practices that determine the conditions under which rights are granted or withheld. On the other hand, citizenship is also a tool for empowerment, enabling individuals and groups to claim rights and, on that basis, drive political, social, and environmental change. But how does this process work in practice? And why is it particularly relevant for students aiming to address pressing crises in the environment, ecology, and food systems?

In this elective course we will read and discuss a book that outlines a critical theory of citizenship, with an emphasis on how citizenship institutes power relations and organizes different rights and obligations.

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Spring School | Rethink. Reimagine. Reclaim.

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𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 the way citizenship shapes our agricultural and food systems. Engage with critical debates on justice, fairness, and the democratization of food provisioning.

𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲 agriculture through the lens of agrarian and food citizenship. Explore how individuals and movements challenge existing systems and build equitable alternatives.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 agency in shaping the future of food and agriculture. Learn how acts of citizenship drive meaningful change toward fairer and more inclusive systems.

Join us in this graduate course, 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗔 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝘀 (May 19–23, 2025). Participate in seminars, workshops, and excursions led by leading scholars like Engin Isin and Cristina Grasseni, and contribute to envisioning just and sustainable futures.

More information and registration.

Seminar | Geopolitics of food, nature and development: crises, narratives and challenges

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SDC@CSPS and RSO@CSPS invite you to
Geopolitics of food, nature and development: crises, narratives and challenges

Seminar with
dr. Natalia Mamonova –  RURALIS, Norway
prof. Anja Nygren – University of Helsinki , Finland
prof. Mike Goodman  – University of Reading, UK

📅 Date: February 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00–12:00
📍 Location: Leeuwenborch B0077, Campus Wageningen

Join us for an engaging seminar featuring three distinguished scholars exploring critical global issues at the intersection of political ecology, food security, and environmental transformations.


Topics and Speakers:

1. ‘From Climate Saviour to Tinfoil Hats and Factory Slop: An Analysis of the Narrative Grammars of Cultured Meat in UK Food and Farming Media’ by prof. Mike Goodman (University of Reading, UK)

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