Politicization at a Dutch University Intellectual Diversity and Particular Political Persuasions at 'Proud to be Progressive’ Places BSc. Coen Schuring, 10439625 Master Thesis MSc Urban Sociology First reader: dr. I Tzaninis Second reader: Prof. dr. B. Volker 29-8-2017
[email protected] University of Amsterdam Word count: 23, 827 (Excluding appendices) Table of contents Page Foreword………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………………………………………………… 8 Social-political relevance of the subject………………………………………….. 8 Problem definition……………………………………………………………....... 8 The university and its identity……………………………………………………. 9 Research question………………………………………………………………… 11 Outline……………………………………………………………………………. 11 Chapter 2: Theoretical framework………………………………………………………... 12 2.1 Explanations for the prevalence of leftist lecturers & students at the FMG………………………………………………………...…………………….. 12 2.1.1 The nature of social science(s)…………………………………….... 12 2.1.2 Political ideology and personality traits…………………………….. 12 2.1.3 Political persuasions and personal preferences……………………... 13 2.1.4 The role of education to the political views of students……………. 14 2.1.5 Possible discrimination against conservatives……………………… 14 2.2. Sociology: A Tale of Two Narratives............................................................... 15 2.2.1 Explanations for the current campus culture at the university…………………………………………………...………….......16 2.2.2 Identity politics and the social sciences…………………………….. 18 Chapter