The week of just living: Bureaucratic vulnerability

This week, during the week of just living, we are highlighting how we contribute to that goal. Senior researcher Ibtissam Abaaziz kicks things off with her lecture on bureaucratic vulnerability. “In practice, we see that not everyone makes use of the services they are entitled to. Sometimes the complexity of the process discourages them, but digitalization also raises barriers.”

Ibtissam works as a senior researcher at the Centre of Expertise, Governance of Urban Transitions, focusing on themes such as accessibility and inclusion. This year, she is evaluating a new program implemented within the Participation Act aimed at coaching citizens.

Too complex

During her current project, in which she creates portraits of participants, bureaucratic vulnerability immediately stood out. Ibtissam: “Some participants are entitled to special assistance, such as for dental costs. But they find the forms and procedures so complex that they decide not to apply, with financial consequences for people who are already struggling. This shows how bureaucracy places people in a vulnerable position, even though they are entitled to these services.”

Even when they fill out the forms correctly, the amount of information and complexity can be overwhelming. “This increases the risk that their situation will worsen. Especially among vulnerable groups who already live on the margins of society.”

Structural disadvantage

Ibtissam is developing a research line on bureaucratic vulnerability. With tomorrow’s lecture, she aims to raise awareness among students, teachers, and professionals at THUAS. “By exploring what bureaucratic vulnerability entails, how inequality arises as a result, and which practical examples exist, I hope to start a conversation. I also draw a link to institutional racism, to show how rules and procedures structurally disadvantage certain groups like with the childcare benefits scandal.”

For everyone

During the interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to reflect and share their experiences. “This topic affects everyone, regardless of their field. Whether you work in education, healthcare, IT, or at the municipality, everyone encounters rules and procedures that can lead to exclusion or marginalization.”

The week of just living

Living justly is embedded in our Knowledge Agenda. The Centres of Expertise, Health Innovation and Governance of Urban Transitions, have collaborated for years to create impact within and beyond the region. During the Week of Living Justly, they share these results with students and staff.