Democracy and social cohesion require productive disagreement. Researchers at the Frankfurt Section study social struggles for recognition and inclusion, as well as the productive potential that can emerge from such social and political conflicts.
Host Institution
The Frankfurt Section is located at the Research Centre Normative Orders at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt. It draws on a long and dynamic tradition of collaboration between philosophy, law, and the social sciences in examining the foundations of social life. This tradition ranges from the early days of the Frankfurt School and the Institut für Sozialforschung to the present-day work of the Research Centre Normative Orders.
Contribution to the Overarching Theme of Social Cohesion
Conflict and Social Cohesion
The Frankfurt Section of RISC explores conflicts in politics, culture, and everyday social life. We are particularly interested in how these conflicts affect social cohesion: How can conflict be carried out in productive ways? When does it become counterproductive?
Democratic societies are marked by a variety of political interests and economic inequalities. Major transformations such as climate change generate new conflicts that must be addressed fairly and democratically. But how does it matter that some people have more resources and opportunities than others? What strategies are available for resolving conflict, and how effective are they? When should the state intervene in conflict – and when should it not?
Toward a Theory of Democratic Cohesion
Researchers at the Frankfurt Section are developing a theory of democratic cohesion. They deal with the concept of democratic cohesion: What is the relationship between democracy and cohesion? How should the concept of cohesion reflect the political, economic, and cultural conditions within democratic societies? How do competition and cultural diversity shape a society? What happens to democratic institutions when society becomes fragmented? At what point do exclusion and discrimination arise – and how can they be addressed?
The Frankfurt Tradition: Theory and Empirics
In the spirit of the Frankfurt tradition, we take an interdisciplinary approach to social research. We combine a strong grounding in social theory with the methodological tools of empirical social science. Researchers in Frankfurt represent disciplines including sociology, political science, political philosophy and theory, legal studies, history, and economics. A distinctive feature of the Frankfurt Section is this close integration of social theory and empirical research.
Knowledge Transfer
The relationship between conflict and cohesion is also central to the Frankfurt Section’s transfer activities. We promote a culture of productive disagreement as an essential element of democratic life. Foremost among these efforts is the StreitClub – a public debate series moderated by Nicole Deitelhoff and Michel Friedman, held at the English Theatre Frankfurt and featuring prominent guests. In addition, insights from our research on productive conflict, led by Daniela Grunow, are incorporated into teacher training programs.
Part of the Coordinating Office
Frankfurt is one of the three coordinating Sections of RISC. In addition to hosting the Coordinating Offices for knowledge transfer and research coordination, Frankfurt is also the location of the institute’s administrative managing director.