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The international system is composed of a multitude of institutions which overlap frequently in their competences, but are not embedded in a centralized order. Contrary to nation-states and to the European Union (EU), the international system lacks an integrative institutional framework within which norm conflicts among functionally overlapping international institutions can be mediated and solved. Against that backdrop, it is a much discussed question whether institutional complexity is strengthening or weakening inter-state cooperation. In this theory-building book, I show that the tendency to develop an inter-institutional division of labor is inherent in functionally overlapping international institutions.

This project focuses on social processes that lead to a transformation of the occupational motivational structure.

In sociological research, notably in education, career, organisation and gender studies, observable discontinuations of educational and occupational aspirations have for some time been interpreted as cooling out. Generally speaking, cooling out indicates a more or less intended process within institutions or organizations that causes a subtle process of disengagement on the level of the subject.

Arbeitnehmernahe Forschung erfreute sich im industrie- und arbeitssoziologischen Diskurs der 1970er Jahre großer Beliebtheit. Dieser Forschungstrend wurde in den 1980er Jahren durch die ökonomisch orientierte neoklassische Arbeitsmarktforschung verdrängt. Doch wie ist die Situation heute? Wird der Frage nach Ungleichheiten bei den Arbeits- und Lebensbedingungen von Arbeitnehmern 40 Jahre nach ihrer Hochphase nur noch ein geringes Forschungsinteresse zuteil?

A new global industrial revolution will unfold in the 21st century as a result of climate change and the decreasing availability of fossil fuels. At the core of this revolution is an energy-technology paradigm shift involving a move away from fossil energy technologies to regenerative ones. This paradigm shift will also directly affect one of the mainstays of modern societies: automobility and all road-based passenger and goods traffic.Three promising development paths have emerged in this field of innovation: the hydrogen combustion engine, the electric fuel-cell engine, and the electric battery-powered engine. We hypothesise that cultural configurations play a key role in the development and use of technical innovations.

The role of science and expertise in society is changing. While the political demand for sound science and evidence has never been higher, experts are confronted with scepticism and claims for public participation. Both tendencies can currently be observed, the scientization of politics and the politicization of science.

Focusing on welfare reforms and food safety, this international research project analyses the causes and consequences of changing science-policy relations in Great Britain, Germany, and the US since the mid-90s.

The speed and scope of change in society are stimulating decision makers in private and public sector organizations to seek new approaches to creating value—economically and societally. This search often entails trying out fresh ways of framing and responding to issues. In a growing number of these organizations stimuli are being sought from the arts by bringing in ideas, practices, and people from the world of theatre, music, painting, sculpture, dance, and literature, for example.

How do different value systems interact? How does this exchange trigger new ideas and their implementation, hence innovation, in its particular discursive context?

The development of high-tech novelties usually takes place behind closed doors in research laboratories and factories, sometimes even garages. Before a new product has its public debut, it has been tested and approved in various ways. These steps are often followed by a first trial of application. Yet, what happens when a new technology meets with the daily routines of its users? What problems occur and according to which criteria are advantages and drawbacks evaluated, and with what consequences for the technology and its further development? These are the questions I ask in my dissertation project “innovative city light”.