Erasmus University Thesis Repository
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The Adoption of Mental Health Apps among University Students: Identifying Barriers, Incentives and Implications
No full textSignaling inclusivity: How liberal CEO sociopolitical activism shapes job pursuit intentions in (diverse) talent
No full textThe Intersection of Literature and Urban Spaces
No full textThis thesis examines how literary events in Barcelona contribute to the socio-cultural transformation of
public spaces and the development of literary tourism. In a city shaped by both a rich cultural identity and
the challenges of over-tourism, literature offers a way to rethink how spaces are used, who they are for,
and how culture can connect residents and visitors alike. Barcelona's designation as a UNESCO City of
Literature provides a meaningful context to explore these questions, especially as the city seeks more
sustainable and inclusive cultural strategies.
The research is guided by one main question: In what ways do literary events in Barcelona socio-
culturally transform public spaces and contribute to the promotion of literary tourism? This is explored
through three dimensions: sustainable tourism, culture-led urban regeneration, and community
engagement. Methodologically, the study combines four expert interviews with two multilingual public
surveys, analysed through Atlas.ti and supported by theoretical perspectives on urban spaces, cultural
governance, and community participation.
Findings show that literary events decentralise culture, activate everyday spaces, and foster
belonging. They reveal tensions between institutional goals and grassroots practices, however, also show
residents welcome tourism that supports local culture and shared experiences. More than attractions,
literary events serve as platforms for dialogue, visibility, and balanced tourism. Their success depends on
stronger coordination between top-down policy and bottom-up initiatives. As public space regeneration
advances, this collaboration can deepen community engagement and position literary tourism as a
sustainable, community-rooted alternative to mass tourism.
The thesis contributes to discussions on sustainable urban development and cultural policy,
offering a model for how literature can support more inclusive and community-oriented city-making
Branding Belonging in the Night
No full textThis thesis examines how branding in nightlife settings is interpreted and perceived by young people in the Netherlands. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with individuals aged 18-25 and guided by a theoretical framework combining branding theory, identity, spatial politics and audience reception, the study uses reflexive thematic analysis to examine how branding communicates inclusion, exclusion, and identity performance. The findings demonstrate that participants experience branding as an emotive and symbolic system, signifying where participants feel safe, included, or excluded. Participants actively interpret visual, spatial, and social signs, usually negotiating or resisting branding expectations. These interpretations are shaped by personal social identity, taste, and experience. Though some branding was experienced as enabling self-expression, others experienced it as constraining or exclusionary. This analysis illustrates that branding is not solely a marketing technique, but a symbolic infrastructure that co-produces social meaning in nightlife contexts. As a feature of nightlife branding, it both reflects and legitimises symbolic boundaries in terms of aesthetics, crowds, and spatial cues (for example, music genre, door policy, and dress codes). Participants assessed 'moral' and aesthetic choices based on the branding cues, articulating their preferences as well as critiques and moments of ambivalence. In this sense, the use of branding cues is closely tied to a deep sense of belonging and the ability to negotiate or perform identities in nightlife space. Approaching branding as part of a dynamic interpretive process engages the tension between inclusion and exclusion, even in a nightclub space branded as inclusive. It is important to note that many participants articulated how nightlife branding functioned as a way to express their creativity and/or a form of liberation, but carried with it implicit standards which correspond with marginalising or alienating some bodies or behaviours. The study importantly highlighted how participants did not take these branded cues passively, but rather engaged in sense-making processes that involved resisting, reinterpreting, and negotiating affection. This research contributes to nightlife studies and branding research by highlighting the active participation of the young audience in creating the meaning of branded spaces, and also providing thoughtful perspectives on broader implications of symbolic limits in urban youth leisure culture
American Disparity: Assessing the USA's Contrasting Involvement in the Serbo-Croatian and Russo-Ukrainian Wars
No full textAs the leading military and economic power, the USA often uses its strength to intervene in foreign conflicts. To the public, their interventions are usually communicated as well- intentioned. Nonetheless, after examining how the USA has reacted to the Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022-ongoing and the Serbo-Croatian War of 1991-1995, it becomes clear that the USA's foreign policy is determined by more factors than just 'humanitarian concerns' or the 'spread of democracy'. That is because the two wars were strikingly similar in both their reasoning and course, which makes the USA's contrasting involvement in them stand out. While the USA is Ukraine's biggest donor of military and financial support, Croatia was pretty much left on its own. Yet, even though US interventionism and its inconsistencies are heavily debated topics, no comparison of it has been drawn between this thesis's specific case studies, even though they depict the inconsistency of US interventionism well. This raises the question as to why the US involvement in the two wars was so different, even though the wars were so similar. An answer to this central question can be found in Mearsheimer's Theory of Offensive Realism. The theory argues that states, no matter the cause or severity of a conflict, will not 'turn offensive' and intervene abroad unless that intervention is beneficial to them. Meaning that even if the USA was faced with two similar conflicts, and only one of them would significantly benefit the USA and its stance in the world, the USA would only intervene in that one. After looking at the two cases from the USA's point of view, the war in Ukraine and its outcome had a more significant importance to the USA and its allies in Europe, which Russia could threaten with a victory in Ukraine. On the other hand, Croatia, even though it showed the desire to integrate into the democratic West, was not of interest to the USA, which was preoccupied with other conflicts at that time, and considered the Yugoslav War as a regional conflict happening outside of its sphere of influence. Therefore, instead of humanitarian or ideological reasons, the US decision-making on where to intervene and where not is more influenced by self-interested reasons, which were pointed out by this thesis
Multiple heroes behind one mask
No full textSuperhero media is said to have the potential to challenge stereotypes and empower marginalized groups. However it has not shied away from gendered and stigmatizing portrayals, including sensationalized acts of mental illness.
Superhero media started out as comics where women were often put in secondary roles, needing to be saved by male heroes or serving as objectified, fetishized, love interests (Hanley, 2021, p.11). Superhero media later adapted it comics to the big screen. Where Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), famously took the stage in Shyamalan's Split (2016), including an alter that depicted a violent superhuman. DID however is a trauma-related disruption of two or more personality states in ones identity to serve as a defense mechanism. Harmful portrayals of this disorder in media therefore spark controversy within the community.
Furthermore, these misrepresentations of mental health disorders and integrated sexism, could influence audience perceptions. Socially conscious generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) often engages with issues of mental health (disorders), gender equality, and diversity, but has also grown up alongside superhero media. Therefore, this thesis will examine their reactions to two superheroes with DID comic-to-screen adaptations. Marvels Moon Knight (Slater, 2022) and DC's Doom Patrol (Carver, 2019-2023) were chosen for this. The central question of this thesis is: How do gendered portrayals of Dissociative Identity Disorder in superhero series shape how Generation Z's audiences view mental illness and gender?
To answer this question a mixed-method of 3 focus groups with each 4-5 participants, and 8 separate interviews were held. There was an evenly divide between male and female participants of Generation Z (GenZ). Following this a thematic analysis of the (translated) transcripts was conducted which included a selection of keywords/phrases, followed by coding these into relevant segments, and later led to the development of themes.
This revealed the following three theme's: (1) Gender bias in superhero character portrayals, (2) Gendered portrayals of DID, and (3) Misrepresentation of DID in media reinforces stigma. The findings of these themes revealed that male characters like Moon Knight's alters were perceived as controlled, and heroic, while in comparison Doom Patrol's alters were perceived as over-emotional, unstable, and overly sexualized. These interpretations reflected broader gender stereotypes specifically within DID, reinforced through perceived gendered differences of alter relationships, switching behavior, and trauma origin stories. Participants were confused and misinformed about DID, often stemming from their prior media exposure. This was reflected in their use of stigmatizing terms and their association of the disorder with violence and instability. However, many participants demonstrated strong media literacy, actively reflecting on these portrayals, questioning gender norms, and expressing a desire for more accurate and empathetic representation.
In conclusion, this study shows that gendered depictions of DID in superhero media shape how GenZ audiences perceive both mental illness and gender. While problematic stereotypes continue to influence audience perception, the active media literacy of GenZ audiences indicates potential for more conscious and inclusive representations moving forward
Trendy or Sustainable?
No full textThe fast fashion industry has been widely criticized for its significant environmental and social impacts, leading to increased attention on sustainable alternatives like secondhand clothing. This study explores the motivations and barriers that influence secondhand clothing purchases among students aged 18 and above in Rotterdam. A quantitative survey was conducted, and the data was analyzed using Pearson correlations and multiple Ordinary Least Squares regression analyses.
The results reveal that emotional value is the most robust positive predictor of secondhand shopping frequency, suggesting that students are more likely to buy secondhand when the experience brings emotional satisfaction. Additionally, hygiene concerns emerged as the most significant barrier, strongly reducing the likelihood of secondhand shopping. All motivational factors except social value were significant, namely sustainability, affordability, and uniqueness.
These findings emphasize the importance of emotional and psychological rewards in sustainable consumer behavior and offer practical recommendations for secondhand retailers and policymakers to stimulate the growth of secondhand fashion markets. By addressing emotional motivations and hygiene concerns, secondhand clothing consumption can be further promoted, contributing to more sustainable consumer practices and supporting Rotterdam's circular economy ambitions
Sites of Persuasion, Spaces of Resistance: State Museums and Alternative Memory Practices in the Post-Soviet Memorial Exhibitions
No full textThe thesis, 'Sites of Persuasion, Spaces of Resistance: State Museums and Alternative Memory Practices in the Post-Soviet Memorial Exhibitions', delves into the complex interplay of archives, power, and historical narrative construction within post-Soviet countries. It investigates how archival practices can serve as instruments of epistemological domination while simultaneously holding significant potential for decolonisation.
The central research question is: How do archival and arts-based practices in post-Soviet countries challenge narratives of power and contribute to decolonial and inclusive representations of history within the contexts of museums of occupations and resistance? It specifically explores how arts-based research can identify and articulate the gaps and silences prevalent in archives and their public presentation. Employing a dual methodological approach, this research examines both state-led memorial museums and various grassroots initiatives across Georgia, Ukraine, and Latvia. The analysis draws upon accessible exhibition materials, secondary literature, media reviews, and personal observations and reflections to identify patterns in narrative construction and alternative storytelling methods.
State-led museums, while crucial for national identity formation and commemoration of suffering (e.g., the Tbilisi Museum of Soviet Occupation, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia), often present hegemonic narratives that can reinforce nationalist perspectives and inadvertently silence diverse experiences, such as Latvian complicity in the Holocaust or the nuanced identities of various population groups. However, external factors, like ongoing street protests in Georgia, can re-activate the core anti-imperialist narratives embedded within these institutions, demonstrating how even stagnant sites can become symptoms of current political crises.
The thesis explores the integration of queer histories within post-Soviet memorial contexts, a theme often marked by systemic discrimination and silence. Jaanus Samma's art installation, Not Suitable for Work: A Chairman's Tale, exhibited in the Museum of Occupations and Freedom in Tallinn, exemplifies how research-based art can make invisible queer experiences visible within national narratives of oppression, linking homophobic legislation to broader political repressions. This demonstrates how arts-based approaches can pioneer and inspire legal and political transformations, fostering new networks of understanding against prevailing propaganda.
In conclusion, this thesis argues that museums and cultural institutions dedicated to the post-Soviet past should transcend mere education or commemoration. They must evolve into dynamic places of feeling and dialogue, where the strategic application of arts-based research and alternative storytelling can actively dismantle colonial legacies, address complex contemporary political realities, and promote a more democratic and inclusive understanding of history for future generations
From Place to Practice: Exploring the Role of Place in Helsinki Design
No full textThis study examines the role of place attachment in shaping the creative output of a
place, studied with a focus on Helsinki and its design professionals. The research adopts
a qualitative, mixed-method approach combining semi-structured interviews and visual
analysis of Instagram content produced by Helsinki's design practitioners. Four in-
depth interviews were conducted with experts from different positions in Helsinki's
design ecosystem, including an interior architecture, graphic design, space design and
the city's design brand management. In parallel, five publicly available Instagram
accounts were analyzed with a multi-modal approach to visual analysis. The data
coding was done using inductive thematic analysis approach, supported by the Place
Attachment Frame work (Person-Place-Process, PPP) by Scannell and Grifford (2009).
This study aims to explore how designers notice and utilize place or relationship with
it, and how these expressions have an impact on understanding the broader scale in
creative cities and cultural ecosystems. The results provide a multi-layered perspective
on the interaction between place, identity, and creative production. There is a main
research question formed as follows, what is the role of place in shaping the design
output of Helsinki, and a sub question of, in what ways is place attachment reflected
in the work of design professionals of Helsinki?
The study found out that place attachment manifests in both subtle and strategic
ways, in the work of Helsinki- based design professionals. Through a combined analysis
of visual social media content and expert interviews, the research reveals how emotional
connection to Helsinki's material environment, its values, and the institutional ecosys-
tem shapes creative output. Design professionals navigate between personal place-
bound identities, and global creative networks and influences. Helsinki was seen func-
tioning as both lived environment and a symbolic brand. The findings further suggest
that place in not just a passive entity, but an active element in creative processes of the
design industry. By applying the place attachment framework by Scannell & Gifford,
the research contributes to understanding how local context matters in the production
and representation of design work