Meet the Cluster Community: Peter Selb

1. Why are you studying inequality?

Inequality is without doubt one of the great issues of our time. I am interested in the causes and effects of unequal participation and information in collective political decision-making.

2. What are you working on?

As part of the cluster, we are currently completing a project on the redistributive preferences of citizens in EU countries. For this purpose, we have conducted a series of survey experiments. But my main research is on data quality problems in surveys and other data sources. After all, I hold a methods position.  

3. How did you end up here?

At the Cluster, I work primarily on the Methods Hub. The methodological demands on social science research have increased enormously in recent years. Supporting young researchers and students in developing their methodological and statistical skills is of great concern to me.  

4. Dream research project?

For years I have been thinking about a research project with the working title "The Politics of Cuisine", in which I would like to explain why the appreciation of good food is more pronounced in some countries, such as Italy, through all strata of the population than in other countries. In this, too, it has connections to inequality research.

Prof. Dr. Peter Selb is a Professor at the Department of Politics and Public Administration and a PI at the Cluster of Excellence "The Politics of Inequality" at the University of Konstanz where he is a lead investigator in the project "Preferences for Redistribution Across EU Member States: Perceptions, Self-Interest, and Identities". His research interests include political behavior and public opinion.