Prof Adam Harris' inaugural lecture - identity politics and democracy

Join us to celebrate Prof Adam Harris' academic career in his inaugural lecture. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception.

How are our identities constructed? What agency do we have in this process? How do our identities impact our politics and the ways our governments' respond to and treat us?

The role of identity in politics and democracy has been studied intently across multiple disciplines and contexts for at least the past 80 years. We have come a long way in understanding race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and other identities and their role in public life and governance. However, only recently have we been taking seriously the ways in which individuals construct their identities and the impact of this both on their voting behavior and on how governments respond to and treat them.

This lecture will explore these questions and offer insights from two decades of research focusing on race, ethnicity, and local governance across Southern and East Africa. Prof Harris will argue that everyday social, economic, and political interactions mutually shape identity and governance, which can, under different conditions, either strengthen or weaken democracy.

This event will be recorded and the video will be uploaded to our YouTube channel. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to be alerted when the recording is uploaded.

Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We cannot guarantee you a seat, but it is very unusual that we have to turn someone away.

• There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The flooring is shiny.
• Companions sit next to you and behind you.

For more accessiblity info and an access guide please visit Accessable

If you have accessibility needs, please let us know and we will do our best to help.

Event venue & nearby stays

Gustave Tuck Lecture Theatre, Wilkins Building, UCL, Second floor, South Junction, London, United Kingdom

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