Dr. Jaswina Elahi is a versatile and committed scientist with a strong social engagement. She is affiliated with Utrecht University as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Humanities, Department of Media and Culture. Her areas of expertise include cultural sociology, globalization, digital culture, multicultural societies, social participation, public participation, resilience, poverty and social inequality, bonded labor (indentured labor) in colonial society and its effects on contemporary society.
Education and Research
Dr. Elahi obtained her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Tilburg University with a dissertation on ethnic networks on the internet. Prior to that, she obtained a Master of Arts from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Her academic work contributes to a better understanding of how technology and social change influence each other and how they can contribute to an inclusive and just society.
Publications
Dr. Elahi has a comprehensive list of publications, including:
- Elahi, J., & Gowricharn, R. (2023). Ongezien, ongehoord: Hindostanen in de Nederlandse koloniale geschiedenis. Walburg Pers.
- Elahi, J., I. Pirson, P. Verhoef en R. Edelenbosch (2023). Gezondheidstechnologie speciaal voor vrouwen – FemTech en de gezondheidskloof. Den Haag: Rathenau Instituu
- Elahi, J., Trienekens, S & Ramsoedh, H. (2022). Against better Judgement. Rethinking multicultural society. Brill Publishers.
- Gowricharn, R., & Elahi, J. (2018). Digital institutions: The case of ethnic websites in the Netherlands. Identities, 27(4), 442–459.
Social Involvement
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Elahi has a strong social profile. She has conducted research into poverty and social security in the Netherlands (for the Urban Development lectureship at The Hague University of Applied Sciences). Her social commitment is also reflected in her work on the multicultural society in the Netherlands, including as editor for the quarterly magazine De Helling for the GroenLinks Scientific Bureau and writing columns and opinion pieces.
She participates in panel discussions and expert meetings on topics including the effects of the colonial past, discrimination and racism, and welfare. She advises the Advisory Committee on Colonial and Slavery History in The Hague and is committed to the recognition and study of colonial history and its contemporary implications. She is also a member of the Supervisory Board for the education group VO Haaglanden, with a portfolio for Educational Quality (including equal opportunities in education).
Education and Supervision
In her role as assistant professor, Dr. Elahi teaches within the Media and Culture department and supervises students in their research projects. She has a strong focus on qualitative research, participatory action research and critical media studies.
Her work helps to better understand the complexity and diversity of Dutch society and contributes to a more inclusive and just society.