The Centre of Research for Society and Sustainability (CeSST) pools research and development resources along the dimensions of social sustainability in six research focuses:
Education and social equalisation
The specialisation relates to equal opportunities as a key element of social sustainability. The causes and consequences of processes of social inequality and exclusion of social groups are researched. In particular, it deals with research questions on educational opportunities, access to training and the labour market.
Space and region
Research in this area is concerned with the causes and consequences of social space processes. Segregations within cities and urban regions as well as social space disparities between differently structured spaces (regions) are analysed. The research aims to develop suitable concepts for the governance of social space processes and to test participatory decision-making instruments.
Social and economic security
The research focus deals with the alignment of politics and law as well as economic realities with the social, in particular the social requirements of sustainable development. On the one hand, it includes questions of social responsibility of organisations (enterprises of the profit and social economy, administration and other institutions) and their perception through measures in the context of corporate social responsibility/corporate citizenship including corporate volunteering. On the other hand, the specialisation comprises questions on the tasks of an activating (social) state, which on the one hand assumes its responsibility through social measures mediated by politics and law, and on the other hand strengthens the individual responsibility of the individual.
Quality of life and health
This specialisation relates to securing basic needs that cannot be met directly through consumption. These are, in particular, self-fulfilment, happiness (well being) and recognition. Research in this area is closely linked to questions of quality of life and participation.
Social participation
The research focus is a key element of social sustainability and is closely linked to basic needs, equal opportunities and social resources. On the one hand, the focus is on participatory research methods that already enable participation in research. On the other hand, the focus is on the (further) development of instruments and methods of participation, especially for vulnerable social groups.
Intergenerational and gender equality
Research in this area examines the interactions between social and socio-demographic factors of socially sustainable developments, in particular the causes and consequences of immigration, the challenges of an ageing society and gender-specific inequalities in the context of the welfare state.