Uppsala Political Science Association’s Thesis Award 2025 to Filip Garpenby

The committee’s motivation reads as follows:

Filip Garpenby’s master's thesis addresses a timely and theoretically ambitious question: under what conditions do classroom discussions of sensitive societal issues stimulate – or inhibit – young people’s interest in civic participation? Drawing on the theories of Biesta and Noelle-Neumann, Garpenby develops a creative and original line of argument. A key innovation lies in his suggestion that the resistance a student encounters in such discussions is likely shaped by how far their views deviate from the prevailing classroom norm. He advances a highly nuanced discussion of how this dynamic might influence the relationship between classroom deliberation and civic engagement. The thesis tests this theoretical framework with data from the ICCS survey, applying a carefully executed quantitative analysis. The results show a strong and positive relationship between classroom discussions and young people’s propensity for civic participation, but also indicate that this relationship is only marginally conditioned by the degree of consensus in the classroom. In doing so, the thesis contributes to ongoing debates about polarization, self-censorship, and participation—offering an independent and insightful perspective that challenges established concerns. The work is distinguished by a clear authorial voice and strong intellectual drive, showcasing both theoretical creativity and methodological rigor. The combination of an original conceptual perspective and a highly systematic empirical analysis makes this thesis stand out. The committee is delighted to conclude that Filip Garpenby has produced a thesis of exceptional quality, making him a most deserving recipient of the Uppsala Political Science Association’s award for best thesis in the 2024/2025 academic year.

The award will be presented in connection with Herbert Kitschelt's Skytte Prize Lecture on 3 October at 14:15 in Brusewitzsalen, Östra Ågatan 19.

The thesis award committee this year has consisted of Cecilia Josefsson (chair), Torsten Svensson, Karin Meiton, and Henning Bollmark.