My name is Roy Kemmers, and I am an Assistant Professor in Sociology at Erasmus University Rotterdam. I hold a PhD in sociology from this same University (2022). Apart from the Dept of Public Administration, I am affiliated with Erasmus University College, where I’ve been teaching full-time since 2015, and for 50% since 2023. I am also chief editor of Sociologie Magazine, a full colour popular scientific magazine that has 4 thematic issues a year. My PhD research was about popular discontents about politics, so delving into populism and political distrust. It received ample attention in popular press with interviews in NRC (july 22) and Volkskrant (aug 22). Most publications / activities are collected in this link: https://pure.eur.nl/en/persons/roy-kemmers
Project Title
Everyday anti-institutionalism
Behavioural change(s) addressed
I am interested in how people relate to social institutions, and to what extent their discontents with these institutions inspire them to change these institutions, or perhaps even innovate with new forms of institutionalisation.
Theoretical approach
I consider myself a cultural sociologist, meaning I focus on the meanings people attribute to their social world, and how these meanings inspire relevant (non-) behaviour.
Empirical research strategies
In my own research I have employed various methodologies: survey methods (regression analyses), qualitative content analyses, in-depth interviewing. I’m focusing mostly on qualitative research (interviewing, ethnography) for my current project.
Possibilities for inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration
With my expertise of focusing on meaning-making at the citizens’ level, I can collaborate in projects that require this citizen’s perspective. Currently I am involved as copromotor in a phd project in collaboration with public administration and health inequalities researchers about inclusive urban green transformations.
Social transition(s) addressed
The transitions I’m addressing in my (thinking about my) research is that of ordinary people increasingly being discontented with societal institutions. Many debates and research projects have delved into the (growing) distrust of political, scientific, legal, and media institutions. More often than not, commentators and scientists worry about the public support for these pillars of liberal-democratic societies. While indeed relevant, I suspect that also more everyday institutions, that are generally not considered pillars of society, are subject to popular anti-institutionalism. With this, I contribute to the study of social institutions and their (resistance to) change and survival in times of popular discontents.