Prof. Dr. Sighard Neckel
In research and teaching the staff of the professorship focuses on social studies of modern capitalism and the social change capitalism is currently undergoing in economic, socio-structural, and cultural respects. Special attention is drawn to the societal consequences of financial markets, the increase of social inequality, and the manifold crises of modern subjectivities. In coming years, our research will concentrate on topics like conflicts related to sustainability, global class formations, the affective dimensions of social change, and the practices of a trans-capitalist economy beyond markets, profit, and competition.
Our social studies are embedded in the concept of a social theory capable to describe social practices in detail as well as critically reflect on it. Thus, the links between sociology of practice, social theory, and reconstructive social research play a key role in our investigations.
In teaching, we present this kind of sociological approach in lectures and seminars designed to acquaint students with the analytical tools of theory-based critical social research.