Blockchain and superdiversity

Cryptocurrency and NFTs are buzzwords that make some roll their eyes, whilst igniting excitement in others. Blockchain technology that is behind cryptocurrencies may seem like a fad, but it has already played an important role in the advancement of the banking sector across Western Africa. In Ghana, governments, non-governmental organizations and financial institutions are working closely to foster digital adoption, raise financial literacy and grow banking networks. Yet, a significant portion of the population lacks access to basic financial services. How to improve financial inclusion in the country? Could blockchain technology be a solution? Grab a pint and listen to my talk to find out!

Superdiversity is a concept encapsulating today’s increasingly complex combinations of race/ethnicity, gender, religion, language, legal status, age and other social categories. For a better understanding of contemporary social dynamics, we need to be able to think in terms of multiple, intersectional categories. This entails breaking habits of classification such as groupism, culturalism, racialization and singular affinity. While societies around the world are rapidly diversifying along numerous dimensions, a superdiversity-based perspective can help decrease stereotypes, positively change attitudes and improve social relations.