Sophie Litvak

Religion and Hate Victimisation among Youth: A Comprehensive Approach from Methodology to Theory and Practical Solutions

Introduction

Religion and hate victimisation among youth: a comprehensive approach from methodology to theory and practical solutions. Explore Sophie Litvakin's dissertation on religion and hate victimization among youth. This comprehensive study offers methodological insights, theoretical frameworks, and practical solutions.

Abstract

Sophie Litvakin väitöskirja ”Religion and Hate Victimisation among Youth: A Comprehensive Approach from Methodology to Theory and Practical Solutions” tarkastettiin Helsingin yliopiston valtiotieteellisessä tiedekunnassa 28.2.2025. Vastaväittäjänä toimi professori James Hawdon Virginia Tech -yliopistosta ja kustoksena professori Janne Kivivuori Helsingin yliopistosta. Väitöskirjan yhteenveto on luettavissa verkko-osoitteessa http://hdl.handle.net/10138/590203.

Review

The title, "Religion and Hate Victimisation among Youth: A Comprehensive Approach from Methodology to Theory and Practical Solutions," immediately signals a highly pertinent and critical area of sociological and criminological inquiry. In an increasingly diverse yet often polarized global landscape, understanding the intersection of religious identity and experiences of hate victimization among young people is crucial. This work promises to delve into a sensitive and complex subject, exploring how religious affiliation may shape vulnerabilities to hate-motivated incidents, a phenomenon with significant implications for social cohesion, youth well-being, and public policy. The focus on youth, a particularly impressionable and often marginalized demographic, further underscores the societal relevance of this research. While the provided abstract offers administrative details regarding the dissertation defense—including the examination date, the faculty (University of Helsinki's Faculty of Social Sciences), and the esteemed roles of Professor James Hawdon (Virginia Tech) as opponent and Professor Janne Kivivuori (University of Helsinki) as custos—it does not elaborate on the specific methodologies, theoretical frameworks, or key findings. However, the title's explicit mention of "A Comprehensive Approach from Methodology to Theory and Practical Solutions" strongly suggests a rigorous and multi-faceted investigation. This implies the work likely moves beyond mere descriptive analysis to engage with underlying theoretical explanations for observed patterns and, crucially, to propose actionable strategies. The involvement of such respected academics in the defense process further indicates a work of substantial academic merit and rigor, expected to meet high scholarly standards. Given the critical nature of the topic and the implied depth of the research, this dissertation has the potential to make significant contributions to the fields of criminology, sociology of religion, and youth studies. By bridging methodological innovation with theoretical development and practical applications, it is poised to offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, community leaders, and practitioners working to prevent hate crimes and support victims. While a detailed assessment of its specific contributions awaits the full text, the stated comprehensive scope suggests a foundational work that could inform targeted interventions, foster greater understanding of intergroup relations, and contribute to the development of more inclusive and tolerant societies. This research is therefore anticipated to be an essential resource for anyone concerned with the welfare of youth and the challenges of hate-motivated violence.

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