Publikationen WZBrief Bildung

In spite of Bologna: Working-class children less likely to study abroad

German students whose parents do not have a university education are still less likely to study abroad, compared to fellow students from the professional classes. In time for the Bologna follow-up conference on April 26-27 in Bucharest, a study conducted by educational sociologist Claudia Finger shows that in spite of European educational reforms, neither regional mobility nor social permeability has increased. more
Publikationen Study

Germany´s Leaders feel isolated facing future challenges

German Leaders in business, politics, and civil society miss greater cooperation and communication beyond the boundaries of their particular fields of work. The tendency to avoid cooperation makes it difficult to collectively face the challenges of the 21st century. This has been documented by a study by the WZB, Stiftung Neue Verantwortung, and Egon Zehnder International. more
Personen Welcome to the WZB

Economics of change: Steffen Huck new WZB-director

Professor Steffen Huck has accepted the position of director of the new WZB “Economics of Change” department, beginning April 2012. The focus of the economist’s work is human behavior related to decisions, to markets and in social relationships. As WZB director, Huck will also remain professor at the University College London. more
Publikationen New journal

"Global Constitutionalism" online

The first issue of "Global Constitutionalism. Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law" is now online. Mattias Kumm, managing director of the WZB Rule of Law Center, is one of the initiators and co-editor of the journal published at Cambridge University Press, his WZB-colleague Michael Zürn is Editorial Board member. more
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Criticism of Europe belongs to the democratic process

Euroscepticism is growing in Europe. EU advocates take critical statements as a threat to the European integration process. How should we deal with Eurosceptics? Is their strong criticism really so irrational and dangerous? WZB researcher Pieter de Wilde and Hans-Jörg Trenz from the University of Oslo have looked into the development and effectiveness of Euroscepticism in political discourse. Their findings can be read in the current issue of the European Journal of Social Theory. more
Presse WZB in the media

Welfare for everyone

American sociologist David Brady advocates a stronger welfare state in the British Guardian. Social policy that slashes benefits for the poorest of the poor and then blames them for their poverty, is missing  the point. An international comparative study shows that welfare states that do not reduce their social spendings during times of crisis have a lower level of poverty long term. more