Sjors JoostenPhD-student

About me

I hold a PhD from the Department of Sociology, Stockholm University. Prior to joining the department in Stockholm, I studied the Master degree in International Development studies at the Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands. During my studies and participation in different projects as research assistant the interest in society and processes of inclusion, diversity and identity, nationalism, and popular culture (specifically hip-hop) grew. I enjoy doing reserach by using qualitative methods understanding the deeper meaning of people and social cohesion in society. 

In my PhD project I examined the experiences, perspectives, and cultural products of artists and other stakeholders in the hip-hop scene related to the suburbs of Stockholm. Through the process of translation, communication, and imagination, I analyzed how the participants create identities, make belonging, share their social reality, and reach economic goals by using hip-hop. The project discussed to what extent the people, places, and performances associated with hip-hop are recognized in Swedish society.

Furthermore, I enjoy to write essays and op-eds in relation to my research and general observations from Swedish society. I believe its important for academics to be active in the public domain.