At the Halle Section of RISC, we investigate the factors that strengthen or weaken social cohesion under democratic conditions. Our research focuses, among other things, on creative action and self-organizing processes among citizens in response to crises and change, using a wide range of empirical social research methods.
Host Institution
At the Halle Section of RISC, we collaborate across research institutes and academic disciplines. In addition to our host institution – Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg – the Zentrum für Sozialforschung Halle e. V. (ZSH) and the Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle (IWH) are also involved. The researchers at the Halle Section of RISC come from sociology, political science, education, law, and economics.
Contribution to the Overarching Theme of Social Cohesion
At the Halle Section of RISC, we examine the structural conditions of social cohesion and investigate how these conditions shape citizen behavior and, in turn, how such actions impact cohesion. In particular, we study different organizational forms of social cohesion – such as grassroots initiatives, cooperative self-organization, local associations, and nationwide organizations. Two research lines are especially central:
Cohesion in Times of Socioecological Transformation
This research line explores the sociospatial conditions under which social cohesion emerges, is threatened, or deteriorates. A key reference point is the climate crisis and the energy transition (e.g., the phase-out of lignite coal, the consumption and distribution of natural resources), as well as their social and political implementation – including the distribution of burdens and opportunities across social groups and generations.
Actions That Create Cohesion
This line of research examines – in the context of the climate crisis and socioecological transformation – concrete forms of action and, in particular, citizen self-organization in relation to their potential contributions to social cohesion.
Regional Panel
Closely related to these efforts, the Halle Section of RISC plays a leading role in the Regional Panel of RISC. Since 2021, Halle has coordinated, in collaboration with three other RISC Sections, a continuous survey of citizens in twelve study regions across four federal states. The Regional Panel documents regional variations and dimensions of social cohesion and makes a substantial contribution to the central data infrastructure of RISC, its research areas, and associated work packages. It serves as a key data source for many of RISC’s work packages.
Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge transfer as a continuous, reciprocal exchange between researchers and practice experts is a core component of the work of the Halle Section of RISC. Our approach to knowledge transfer is guided by the principles of “public scholarship”: Practice experts are involved in data collection, analysis, and the discussion and presentation of findings. At the same time, they are supported and advised by researchers. Ideally, knowledge transfer enables researchers and practitioners to jointly identify and address questions and problems related to social cohesion.
Examples of knowledge transfer at the Halle Section of RISC include:
- The handbook Kreative Kohle, which presents innovative strategies developed in collaboration with citizens in the Lausitz region – including workers and business representatives from the lignite industry – for managing the socioecological transformation.
- Studies of citizen self-organization across social classes and generations, including cooperatives, grassroots initiatives, and youth-led groups. These actors are integrally involved and receive advisory support from researchers as equal partners.
- The simulation game Dorfgründung, in which students from Germany and France explore how they would live, work, and make political decisions together in an imaginary village.