Modern societies undergo rapid change, for instance due to migration or changing gender-roles. The prospect of social change may be threatening, especially for those who have much to lose (for example ethnic majorities, or men).
How can we make social change more inclusive?
Automatic responses
In her research Elena examines responses to social change (threat versus challenge) by taking a biopsychosocial approach. Measuring bodily responses such as IGC, ECG and blood pressure can give insight into processes that people do not explicitly report.
Inclusion of different perspectives
To promote cooperation in society, Elena examines the processes that may open up the debate, making more people feel included, understood and valued in society, especially in response to changing relations between different groups.