- Research Area A |
- Research Area B |
- Research Area C |
- Research Area D
Research Area B: Socioeconomic Orders of Status and Distribution
Questions of cohesion are closely tied to inequality within a society. In particular, the growing divide between social groups in terms of resources, status, values, and networks shapes debates over social division. These developments have implications for cohesion. At the same time, new demands for equality challenge established structures of inequality, including those related to gender, region, or ethnic affiliation. As a result, tensions arise between inequality and social cohesion.
Research Area B addresses the overarching question: How much inequality can democratic cohesion tolerate? We investigate how inequality threatens cohesion and how certain forms of cohesion may in turn reinforce or legitimize inequality. A particular focus lies on the conditions under which cohesion between different social groups becomes possible. We also analyze processes of exclusion and conflicts over distribution that are triggered by socioeconomic, ecological, and cultural transformations or crises.
Guiding Questions of the Research Area
Research Area B addresses the following questions:
What fosters cohesion between individuals and groups who occupy unequal status positions?
We explore the possibilities and limits of reconciling cohesion with inequality. This includes the question of whether societies are fragmenting into distinct groups with divergent understandings of cohesion.
Which groups feel that their claims to status and participation are being denied or threatened?
We analyze the tensions between aspirations and realities. These tensions are experienced and addressed differently depending on group position.
Is cohesion within particular status groups achieved at the expense of other groups?
We examine whether people reflect on – or ignore – the negative consequences their actions may have for cohesion.
How do new cohesion-related practices emerge, and what role does social inequality play in this process?
We investigate how new concepts of cohesion are developed and how they engage with inequality.
We study social, economic, and cultural divisions and their implications for cohesion. The focus lies on new lines of conflict between social groups, value systems, and political affiliations.
Associated work packages:
B_01 Milieukonflikte um den gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt
B_02 Das Social Integration Paradox …
B_03 Familiale Ungleichheiten und die Bewertung sozialer Gerechtigkeit
We analyze the responses of population groups who are affected or threatened by social decline or exclusion. These may include political withdrawal, reactionary attitudes (e.g., right-wing populism), or efforts to restore collective agency. Cultural status losses and the responses they elicit are also examined.
Associated work packages:
B_05 Marginalisierungserfahrungen und Zusammenhaltserwartungen: Sozialräumliche Perspektiven
B_06 Kollektive Reaktionen auf sozioökonomische Statusbedrohung
B_07 Solidarische Praktiken in gesellschaftlichen Transformationsprozessen
Here, we focus on the symbolic, media-related, and social relationships between different social groups. We analyze how social networks shape cohesion and how milieus are kept apart or interconnected.
Associated work packages:
B_08 Segmentationen von sozialen Milieus und ihre wechselseitige Bewertung
B_09 Intergruppenkonflikte und symbolische Grenzziehungspraktiken …
Knowledge Transfer in the Research Area
The findings of Research Area B are disseminated through a range of formats, including:
- Dialogue formats with citizens, civil society organizations, and associations to promote exchange across social milieus
- Events following the principle “talking with, not about, people,” providing marginalized groups with a platform
- Consulting and educational materials such as schoolbook contributions and professional development offerings for policy advising and civic education
- Storytelling salons, exhibitions, and theatrical performances