SOS9238 – Cultural backlash and the rise of authoritarian populism
Course content
In recent years, the global political landscape has witnessed a surge in cultural backlash, populist movements, and the rise of authoritarianism also in Western societies. This PhD-level course offers an in-depth exploration of these phenomena, examining their origins, manifestations, and implications in contemporary politics.
The course will begin by exploring the concept of cultural backlash, particularly focusing on reactions against globalization, multiculturalism, and progressive social changes. We will explore theories explaining why certain groups perceive these societal shifts as threats to their cultural identity, status, and values.
Next, we will examine populism, both as an ideology and a political strategy. The course will cover the definitions, varieties, and drivers of populism, dissecting how populist leaders and movements capitalize on cultural backlash to gain support. Case studies from various regions will illustrate populism's diverse manifestations.
The third focus of the course is on authoritarianism, scrutinizing how cultural and populist currents to the erosion of democratic norms and the consolidation of autocratic rule. We will analyze the tactics and strategies employed by authoritarian leaders to undermine political institutions and civil liberties, and study the socio-economic and cultural factors that enable such regimes to thrive.
Key topics addressed in this course include:
- Theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural backlash, populism, and authoritarianism
- Contemporary case studies of populist and authoritarian movements
- The role of identity politics, nationalism, and xenophobia
- The impact of globalization, economic inequality, and technological change
- Media, misinformation, and the role of social networks in shaping political narratives
- Policy responses and strategies for defending democratic principles
Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide array of scholarly texts, participate in rigorous debates, and conduct original research on relevant topics. The aim is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of these complex political developments and to foster critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for advanced academic research and policy analysis.
By the end of the course, students will have a deepened understanding of the dynamics of cultural backlash, populism, and authoritarianism, and will be well-prepared to contribute to scholarly discourse and policy-making processes addressing these pressing global challenges.
This course is essential for students interested in contemporary political challenges.
Course leaders: Professor?Katrine Fangen, Director of UiO:Democracy, University of Oslo; Professor?Daphne Halikiopoulou,?Department of Politics and International Relations, University of York.
Learning outcome
Knowledge and Understanding
- Comprehensive Understanding of Key Theories:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical frameworks surrounding cultural backlash, authoritarianism, and populism.
- Critically assess major sociological approaches and concepts, including cultural resistance, nostalgic reaction, and sociopolitical movements.
- Historical and Contemporary Context:
- Develop an understanding of the historical evolution of authoritarian and populist movements.
- Contextualize contemporary manifestations of these phenomena within broader socio-political and economic changes globally.
Analytical Skills
- Critical Analysis:
- Hone the ability to critically analyze and evaluate empirical research on cultural backlash, authoritarianism, and populism.
- Assess the strengths and limitations of various methodological approaches used in the study of these social phenomena.
- Data Interpretation:
- Acquire skills to interpret quantitative and qualitative data related to cultural attitudes, political behaviors, and populist movements.
- Utilize statistical tools and software to analyze social data and produce meaningful insights on the studied topics.
Research Competence
- Research Design and Methodology:
- Design and develop robust research proposals and projects that contribute to the academic discourse on cultural backlash and authoritarianism.
- Employ both traditional and innovative research methods to gather and analyze data effectively.
- Scholarly Contribution:
- Produce original research that enhances the understanding of the interplay between culture, political structures, and populist movements.
- Prepare high-quality academic papers suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Practical Engagement
- Policy Implications:
- Analyze the policy implications of cultural backlash and populist movements, proposing informed interventions that address societal challenges.
- Engage with policymakers and societal stakeholders to discuss research findings and their practical applications.
- Public Sociology:
- Communicate complex sociological concepts and research findings to a broader audience, contributing to public discourse on authoritarianism and populism.
- Develop strategies to increase public awareness and foster informed dialogues on cultural and political issues.
Professional and Academic Development
- Critical Reflection:
- Engage in reflective practices to assess personal biases and perspectives that influence research.
- Continuously improve academic and professional skills through feedback and self-evaluation.
- Collaborative Skills:
- Work effectively in interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams.
By the end of the course, students will have a profound understanding of the dynamics of cultural backlash, authoritarianism, and populism. They will be prepared to conduct high-level sociological research, contribute to academic and policy discussions, and engage with diverse publics on these critical issues.
Admission to the course
The course is open to PhD students who study politics or related themes. Although most suited to students working in the traditions of political sociology, cultural sociology, political science, or cultural geography, applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds will be considered. Likewise, applications are welcomed from across the globe, and from researchers looking at politics in all and any form (also extra-parliamentary politics, or populist grassroot movements). Applicants can apply at any stage of the PhD process but may find it most rewarding if they have already conducted some of their own empirical research.
PhD-students at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography register for the course in?StudentWeb.?
Interested participants outside the Department of Sociology and Human Geography shall fill out this application form.
The deadline for registration is?1st?April?2025.?After the deadline shall all applicants receive a note about whether or not the application is approved.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Enrollment in a PhD program in Sociology, Human Geography, Political Science or a related field.
Recommended previous knowledge
Prior knowledge of political sociology, political theory or comparative politics is recommended.
Teaching
The course will take place over three days, from May 19 to 21, 2025. Prior to the start of the in-person sessions, students are expected to complete the assigned readings and submit a short draft of their paper.
Each day will be structured with lectures in the morning, followed by student presentations and feedback sessions in the afternoon.
Place: Seminar room 301, 3rd floor, Harriet Holters Building, Moltke Moes vei 31. /om/finn-fram/omrader/blindern/bl11/?[Open URL]
Examination
Course Requirements:
- Regular attendance and active participation in discussions
- Critical reviews of assigned readings
- A research paper on a relevant topic, involving original analysis and empirical investigation
- Presentations of research findings
5 ECTS will be awarded when the participant has received a pass grade based on activity and completing the essay.
The final essay is a critical component of the course and is designed to demonstrate your ability to conduct rigorous, original research and contribute to scholarly discourse on cultural backlash, populism, and authoritarianism. The essay should reflect a deep understanding of the theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and contemporary debates addressed throughout the course.
?? - The topic should be closely related to the themes of cultural backlash, populism, or authoritarianism.
?? - It should reflect a clear research question or hypothesis that addresses a specific aspect of these phenomena.
The essay must be between 7000-9000 words.?The essay must be anchored in the course literature, and discuss a theoretical issue related to cultural backlash, popul, or methodological questions connected to the student’s thesis.?Further specifications of the requirements to the essay will be provided to the participants.
Deadline for submission of essay:?June 19th.?The participants will then receive comments, after which they will have three weeks to submit the final version. The essay needs to be sent to?katalin.varga@sosgeo.uio.no.
- The essay should be between 8,000 to 10,000 words, excluding the bibliography and any appendices.
?- It should follow standard academic format: Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
?- Proper citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard) must be used consistently throughout the paper.
Examination support material
All exam support materials are allowed during this exam.?
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.