National Workshop for Young Researchers

Studying Discrimination & Exclusion: Theories, Methods and Policies 

3 - 7 October 2023  

 Concept Note 

Studying discrimination and exclusion has been traditionally neglected, but has emerged in recent times as one of the most challenging areas of research in social sciences and humanities. The visibilisation of discrimination and exclusion, new methods to study such phenomenon, framing of inclusive policies and demands for reparations in the last century make for compelling areas of study in social sciences and humanities. These also bring to the fore complexities of dealing with overlapping marginalizations and disadvantages emanating from socially constructed identities, which the researcher often encounters. This workshop intends to introduce young scholars to the theoretical underpinnings, debates, new methods and complexities of policy formulation and implementation, arising  from studying discrimination and exclusion in the hope that these open up new vistas of research in the study of the human worlds and societies. 

The workshop on "Studying Discrimination & Exclusion: Theories, Methods and Policies" seeks to bring together young scholars and researchers to explore wide ranging themes evolving from the study of discrimination and exclusion and to map out the emerging frontiers and implications for such social inquiry. The workshop aims to provide a platform for sharing research work, experiences, insights, and practices using diverse social science research methods. It seeks to promote dialogue and collaboration among young scholars across disciplinary formations on the intersecting themes, nature of inquiry, and methodological challenges and possibilities for engaging with the study of discrimination and exclusion. 

The workshop will be led by Dr. Amit Thorat and Dr. Kaustav Banerjee and is organised by the Kerala Council for Historical Research in Thiruvananthapuram.  

Objectives 

The main objectives of the workshop are: 

• To trace the emergence of the study of discrimination and exclusion in contemporary social sciences and humanities. 
• To engage with the works of select theorists and schools of thought which contributed in the  visibilisation of such processes in social sciences and humanities. 
• To unpack the persistence of group differences in well-being and economic out comes 
• To explore newer research methods and approaches that can identify, quantify and address such phenomenon. 
• To discuss ethical issues, subject and community related challenges in studying discrimination and exclusion. 
• To explore the interplay and intersections between different theories, research methods and policy approaches in studying discrimination and exclusion in social science and humanities 
• To reflect on the emerging frontiers and implications of studying discrimination and exclusion in social science and humanities.