dr. SRJM (Samira) van Bohemen

Biography

Samira van Bohemen is an associate professor at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences and a cultural sociologist with a research focus on identity, sexuality, and social inequality. She serves on the board of the Netherlands Sociological Association (NSV) and leads the interdisciplinary Erasmus Love Lab (ELL). Her research is unique for its emphasis on pleasure—examining how different social groups perceive and experience pleasurable activities and how this relates to questions of identity and power.

Samira’s work has gained substantial recognition, including multiple scholarships and awards. Among them is the prestigious Vidi grant from The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), supporting her current project on pornographic stereotypes, their social origins, and their impact on young people.

Beyond her academic research, Samira is dedicated to making a practical impact. Through her leadership at the Erasmus Love Lab, she collaborates with various organizations to raise awareness about youth sexuality and public health. She frequently contributes to social-scientific periodicals, Dutch television, radio, and other media, demonstrating her commitment to accessible and impactful research. Her outreach efforts engage a wide audience, from academics and professionals to the general public, highlighting her drive to bridge the gap between rigorous research and societal impact.

For a deeper dive into Samira's current research interests, you can listen to her recent interview on the Sociologie Show (in Dutch), which provides further insights into her work and ongoing projects.

More information about the Erasmus Love Lab can be found here.