Empirical social research
Seminar for Social Sciences
Empirical social research deals with the systematic investigation of social processes and social structures. Its aim is to precisely record social phenomena, to translate theoretically sound questions into testable hypotheses and to analyze these using quantitative and qualitative methods.
A central component of our teaching is the teaching of methodological skills. Students acquire sound knowledge in the areas of research design, data collection, statistics and data analysis. They learn how to investigate complex social relationships empirically, develop their own research projects and critically evaluate scientific results.
Our research focuses on the areas of family, work, education, health and well-being. Many of our projects work with longitudinal data and pursue an international comparative approach.
Research profile
Research focus of the department
The research area at the University of Siegen is dedicated to central social issues relating to family, life courses, social inequality and education. We work with a broad methodological spectrum of empirical social research. This includes quantitative analyses of large population studies as well as qualitative research approaches that make individual experiences and social dynamics visible in greater depth.
Our topics at a glance
Family, well-being and health
We investigate how family life situations influence mental and physical well-being. We look at both stress factors and resources that strengthen families in different phases of life.
Family and the labor market
Our research analyzes how family responsibilities and employment can be reconciled. We shed light on the interactions between professional demands, family obligations and social inequality as well as their significance for life courses.
Parental employment and the well-being of children
A particular focus is on the question of how parents' employment models and working conditions influence the well-being, development and everyday life of children. Here we consider both socio-economic conditions and intra-family dynamics.
Partnerships in old age
We are researching how partnerships are structured in old age, what roles social support and health play and how different living and relationship constellations affect well-being in old age.
Education (with a focus on university research)
In the field of education, our research focuses in particular on universities: We analyze educational and study trajectories, inequalities in access to higher education, success factors in higher education and the importance of institutional framework conditions for the development of young adults.
Main research areas
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Family research
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Labor market research
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Satisfaction research
Latest publications
Widowhood and loneliness: do close relations with adult children alleviate loneliness among widowed parents?
Widowhood and loneliness: do close relations with adult children alleviate loneliness among widowed parents?
Parenthood and life satisfaction in older age: examining the moderating role of social norms and economic vulnerability
Parenthood and life satisfaction in older age: examining the moderating role of social norms and economic vulnerability
Subjective Well-Being of Parents and Childless People in Older Age in Germany
Subjective Well-Being of Parents and Childless People in Older Age in Germany
