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Inhalt (short abstract): Hate crimes are on the rise, and so is support for political violence. Because of their subjugating and oppressing nature, bias-motivated offenses are generally viewed as different in their effects. Compared to their non-bias-motivated counterparts, hate crimes strike thrice. First, by targeting the immediate victim; second, by sending a “message” to the victim’s perceived community; and third, by calling into question an open societies’ commitment to inclusion, equity and tolerance. As such, hate crimes pose a serious threat to democratic ideals and to the complex challenge of maintaining and strengthening a peaceful coexistence. In this seminar, we will explore the contextual drivers of hate crimes through a quantitative lens. By examining the existing literature, we will investigate the impact of various social, economic, political, and institutional factors on the frequency and prevalence of hate crimes. In addition to exploring the causes of hate crimes, we will critically examine strategies aimed at preventing these acts. The seminar will feature at least one guest lecture by a scholar in the field or a member of a civil society organization focused on addressing this issue. In addition to theoretical knowledge, this course emphasizes practical experience. We will engage with common datasets, learn about relevant research designs and replicate existing studies. |
