Empirical Social Research on Education and Labour

Education has a great impact on individual life opportunities, self-realisation and professional success. Furthermore, education affects social, economic, political and cultural participation. At the same time, competence development and educational attainment are dependent on the socioeconomic background. In this branch, researchers empirically, and oftentimes within international comparisons, investigate access to education, learning behaviour in schools, universities, families and companies. In addition, results and returns attributed to education and competence development from childhood through late adulthood are explored. Researchers use quantitative and qualitative methods in their analyses of how learners experience and shape their biographical education processes in formal, non-formal and informal learning arrangements. Finally, they consider individual skills acquisition in relation to the didactic structure of courses, teaching and guidance in schools and out-of-school education institutions.

Research conducted in the Business and Labour Market research branch is focused on employees, modes of labour and commercial organisations. Researchers in this branch study the preconditions for functional work and structural changes, not only on the social level (labour markets, economic and social policy, migration, industrial relations or occupational composition) but also on the organisational level (company and labour organisation, or personnel development and structuring) and the individual level (individual employment history, qualification development and stress related to work or career and career success). These aspects are analysed in their various mutual relationships to one another. A particular focus is placed on the development of professional skills, (international) career trajectories, and the significance of migration, ageing and health.

The Methods and Statistics branch – and particularly the areas of empirical modelling and the mathematical modelling of social, political and economic processes and issues – is a crucial foundation for research in the social sciences and economics and business administration. Researchers in this branch deal with practical applications, statistical methodological assistance, consulting and cooperation, as well as with the development and expansion of statistics and econometrics, survey methodology and computer simulation.