Multiple Identities, Multiple Inclusions?

(3 Credits)

How can governments and civil society organizations - including sports, arts, and cultural groups - enhance civic inclusion for marginalized communities? Political rights, public programs, and civic opportunities offer valuable material and symbolic benefits, yet many eligible individuals face barriers to access. These take-up gaps are often most pronounced among groups marginalized by gender, class, ability, age, race, or immigration status. This course explores how such disparities can be addressed by examining strategies that promote civic inclusion across multiple dimensions of exclusion. Through collaboration with local UAE and international organizations - such as sports clubs, religious institutions, cultural groups, and government agencies - students will investigate and assess existing and innovative approaches to reducing access gaps. Emphasis will be placed on identifying effective strategies to foster a more inclusive society.