Sebastian Abdallah

Sebastian Abdallah is a University lecturer at the University of Humanistic Studies holding the Chair of Social Work. As a cultural worker, Arabist, and sociologist, he focuses on youth development and social change initiatives within Dutch and international contexts.

His educational foundation includes a doctorate from the University of Amsterdam (2017) for the dissertation "Struggles for success: Youth work rituals in Amsterdam and Beirut", establishing his expertise in cross-cultural youth work practices.

Abdallah's research centers on micro-level interactions with young people through embodied engagement and emotion, while examining meso- and macro-level power dynamics. His work bridges Societal Critical Youth Studies and Social Change Management, emphasizing youth agency development within socio-cultural frameworks. Key publications like "Arranging agency" (2023) demonstrate practical applications of his theoretical approach.

Recent scholarly output reveals a clear trajectory toward youth empowerment methodologies, with 2024's "Basic Social Work" contribution strengthening theoretical foundations while 2023's practical guide operationalizes changemaker frameworks. His publications consistently integrate Arabist perspectives with European youth work traditions.

Abdallah maintains active practice collaborations with Combiwel, Dock, Young in Prison, Richard Krajicek Foundation, Sociaal Cement, Criminal Minded, and Sitara Foundation. His international academic network spans University of Antwerp, Boston University, and American University of Beirut. Since 2018, he has shaped discourse as editorial member of Sociale Vraagstukken.