Indifference to refugees in Germany: observations and explanations

Since 2022, Social Science Works has published a large number of interviews with refugees in Germany. There were several motives … Continue ReadingIndifference to refugees in Germany: observations and explanations

Developing a social enterprise devoted to democracy, deliberation and respect in a progressively hostile and indifferent environment: Experiences and observations of a social science trying to work in the eastern part of Germany

As citizens increasingly lose trust in politics and society, it becomes more important than ever for state and civilian organizations … Continue ReadingDeveloping a social enterprise devoted to democracy, deliberation and respect in a progressively hostile and indifferent environment: Experiences and observations of a social science trying to work in the eastern part of Germany

Resisting democratic decline: deliberation and some lessons from Germany and beyond

Democracies around the world seem to lose appeal for growing numbers of citizens. Partly explaining this trend, citizens seem less … Continue ReadingResisting democratic decline: deliberation and some lessons from Germany and beyond

Politics is no Match for Business: Charles Lindblom, Elon Musk and the Privileged Position of Business

The interplay between Elon Musk and the social democratic government in Brandenburg, where Tesla recently opened a Giga factory, illustrates … Continue ReadingPolitics is no Match for Business: Charles Lindblom, Elon Musk and the Privileged Position of Business

Our Europe for All – Civic engagement among young European citizens in Berlin and Brandenburg

Hans Blokland and Paola Perrin de Brichambaut Democratic institutions around the world seem to be losing appeal for an increasing … Continue ReadingOur Europe for All – Civic engagement among young European citizens in Berlin and Brandenburg

Charles Lindblom on the Market, Elites, Inequality and our Inability to Think Clear

Charles Lindblom (1917 – 2017), one of the most important political scientists of the twentieth century, published in 2000 The … Continue ReadingCharles Lindblom on the Market, Elites, Inequality and our Inability to Think Clear

Planning a future together: Could Eisenhüttenstadt use some deliberative democracy?

Political communities occasionally come to crossroads where fundamental, far-reaching decisions must be made. At such times, it can enhance the … Continue ReadingPlanning a future together: Could Eisenhüttenstadt use some deliberative democracy?

Loneliness, unhappiness, consumerism and its political consequences: observations and predictions of Robert E. Lane

Twenty years ago, the American political psychologist Robert E. Lane (1917 – 2017) published The Loss of Happiness in Market … Continue ReadingLoneliness, unhappiness, consumerism and its political consequences: observations and predictions of Robert E. Lane

Opportunists in Political Education for Democracy, Freedom and Respect: The Long Road of Democratization.

Even when a dictatorship is taken over by a rich neighboring country with a shared history and language, the path of democratization is long. One of the reasons for this sad fact of life is the continued presence at the upper levels of society of representatives of the old elite. The social capital and opportunism that also brought them to the top in the old system, enables them to stay in power despite the change of political structures. The development of democracy is harmed not only because of the sustained power of people that in the end are seldom motivated by democratic ideals, but also because their presence undermines the credibility of democracy, especially in the eyes of citizens that were once delighted by the political change. Even thirty years after unification, the scrutiny of the ruling elite is therefore a moral obligation. Unfortunately, not many are willing to take this responsibility. … Continue Reading >Opportunists in Political Education for Democracy, Freedom and Respect: The Long Road of Democratization.

Deliberating Discrimination, Antisemitism, Racism, Sexism, Homophobia in Volatile Schools in Hamburg

Or: Why was there a wall between East and West Germany and not one between the North and the South? … Continue ReadingDeliberating Discrimination, Antisemitism, Racism, Sexism, Homophobia in Volatile Schools in Hamburg