1. Why are you interested in studying Inequality?
The Covid pandemic has once again brought the issue of inequality to public attention. At the same time, the economy and thus also the labour market are facing major changes in the coming decades as a result of the transition to a climate-neutral economy. Despite the great importance of climate neutrality, however, we currently do not know much about how the policy preferences of people affected by this transformation in the labour market will change and what the role of the welfare state will be in this regard. Through my work, I would like to better understand these issues myself on the one hand, and on the other hand, contribute with scientific work to the debate on suitable policy solutions.
2. What are you working on?
In my research I focus on the political implications of current profound changes in the labour market due to the trends of automation and digitalization and, in particular, due to the upcoming task of the transformation towards a climate-neutral economy. In particular, I am interested in the extent to which the climate transition is perceived as a labour market risk and what role for social policy results from this.
3. How did you end up here?
During my master's studies, I took a course on “The Politics of Inequality" that fascinated me a lot and sparked my curiosity. Finally, one of my lecturers there drew my attention to the cluster and I felt immediately drawn to its research topics and its interdisciplinarity. In addition, I had often heard how beautiful Konstanz and the Bodensee region were - and rightly so! - so that in the end the choice was not difficult at all.
4. Recent highlight?
The graduation ceremony for my master's degree in “Political Economy of Europe", which luckily could take place on site in London – a very nice opportunity to celebrate this milestone together with friends and family.
5. Dream research project?
Being able to accurately predict (without having to rely on a crystal ball) how the shift to a carbon-neutral economy will affect existing economic and social inequality. Based on this, I would like to find out whether negatively affected people will turn against climate change mitigation as a result and how this could be mitigated.