Welmoed Wagenaar

Welmoed Wagenaar is an external researcher at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society within the Comparative Study of Religion department. Holding a Master of Arts degree, Wagenaar's academic work centers on the dynamics of fandom, everyday life, and religious heritage in contemporary society.

Education:

• Master of Arts (MA)

Wagenaar's research primarily investigates how media fans navigate everyday life through fan activities, with emphasis on digital platforms like Discord. Their work explores secularization and management of religious heritage in Dutch public celebrations (e.g., St. Martin festivities), addressing inclusivity, cultural identity, and consumer behavior. Methodologically, the research employs qualitative approaches to tackle ethical challenges in fan community studies.

Recent publications reveal a trajectory from offline fan spaces to digital fandom and evolving religious heritage in secular contexts. This body of work consistently bridges consumer culture, mood regulation, and community formation, contributing to broader discussions on cultural adaptation in modern Europe.