RTG PhD Program SELF 1 (2021-2026)

Social Dynamics of the Self (SELF)

The DFG-funded Research Training Group (RTG) 2513 “Social Dynamics of the Self” (SELF) is BIGSSS' newest PhD program in the social sciences.

Social Dynamics of the Self: Thematic Scope

Since the self and society make each other up in an ongoing cycle of mutual constitution, they need to be studied simultaneously and in concert. SELF focuses on investigating the interactions between individuals and their social environment, providing a platform for early-career researchers from various social science disciplines to study the self’s embeddedness in diverse social systems, ranging in complexity and dynamically changing over time.

The research program  is characterized by interdisciplinarity, combining research perspectives particularly from psychology, sociology and political science. Research questions addressed in SELF dissertation projects should broadly correspond to the research program's seven project lines:

1. Cultures of honor
2. Intergenerational identity development
3. Self-efficacy, health and well-being
4. Conflict between family and work roles
5. Social participation and (early) retirement
6. Individualization and social morality
7. Collective identities in transition

 Fellows of our Research Training Group "Social Dynamics of the Self"