dr. HM (Hilje) van der Horst

I have background in Sociology and Human Geography (both BSc and MSc). Since my PhD at the University of Amsterdam and the Meertens Institute, on domestic consumption practices of Turkish-Dutch households, my research has focused on understanding consumption as a key social phenomenon.

My work is structured around two main lines of research. The first explores the social and economic conditions and different consumption settings that can help explain a variety in consumption patterns. This includes studies of poverty and food aid. The second line of research focuses on how a better understanding of consumption practices can help address societal challenges such as sustainability and health disparities.

In addressing these two research lines, I am particularly drawn to interdisciplinary collaboration and am fascinated by the different kinds of methods that can help unravel consumption dynamics and envision future pathways.

My current projects are as follows