From euthanasia to Pride, from representative politics to access to healthcare: researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel are drawing attention to pressing social issues. In the special feature ‘Fighting for Freedom’ on VUB Tomorrow, they expose blind spots and offer new ways of thinking towards a more inclusive society.
A selection of articles from the science magazine VUB Tomorrow
Luc Deliens warns of blind spots in the euthanasia debate
Luc Deliens, emeritus professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, calls for a more robust scientific basis in the evaluation of Belgium’s euthanasia law and highlights significant gaps in the current approach. According to him, more systematic research is needed to enrich the debate and better inform policymaking.
Karen Celis advocates for an emotion-sensitive democracy
VUB political scientist Karen Celis stresses the importance of an emotion-sensitive democracy that makes room for citizens’ feelings and experiences in political decision-making. In the European PLEDGE research project on grievance politics, she examines how emotion and dissatisfaction are reflected in contemporary democratic processes.
Dave Sinardet on 30 years of Pride
Political scientist Dave Sinardet looks back on thirty years of Pride and reflects on the social and political developments surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Belgium. He underlines how Pride has evolved from a protest movement into a widely embraced event, while warning that continued vigilance remains essential.
Sex workers still face prejudice in healthcare
Research conducted at Vrije Universiteit Brussel shows that sex workers continue to encounter stigma and prejudice when seeking access to healthcare. These negative experiences create barriers that can undermine both the quality and accessibility of care.
Read the full special in VUB Tomorrow
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