Gendered Perspectives on Growing Social Control in Europe
Short description
This project explores how social control manifests across different European contexts, with a particular focus on gender and social exclusion. The aim is to build an international network that lays the groundwork for future research and knowledge exchange among researchers and students.
About the project
In recent years, European societies have experienced increasing tendencies towards social control. These developments take different forms across national contexts, yet often share a lack of gender-aware analysis. Topics such as punishment and exclusion remain heavily masculinised, with women and gender minorities often rendered invisible in policy and research.
The collaboration was initiated in 2025 by researchers from the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), the University of Warwick (UK), and NOVA University Lisbon (Portugal), within the framework of the EUTOPIA alliance. The initial project explored gendered dimensions of social control in Europe while building a platform for longer-term research cooperation.
The collaboration has since continued and broadened to include wider questions of social control, justice and marginalised groups in Europe. The research network continues to develop through new partnerships and interdisciplinary exchange.
A key goal from the outset has been to establish a Connected Community – a network of scholars and students that promotes joint learning, research exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue across borders.
Project duration
April–December 2025 for the EUTOPIA Seed Funding phase. The research network and collaboration are ongoing.
Funding
The initial phase of the project was funded by the University of Gothenburg through the EUTOPIA Seed Funding programme (SEK 62,000).
More Research in Social Work and Welfare
Our researchers study social problems, their causes and their consequences for individuals, groups and society. They conduct their projects within research platforms and research networks. Both individual researchers and research groups participate in these platforms and networks.