Topic of the dissertation

Decent Work? 
Dealing with a normative dilemma on the basis of current surveys

What contribution can empirical research make to reformulating the social ideal of “decent work”? With necessary normative restraint, at least 100 workers will be asked: What experiences of "decent work" have you had? And what do you wish for a "decent work"? Individual aspects and group opinions on these questions will be noted down in three-stage workshops.

In the second phase of the dissertation, these results of the surveys and workshops will be contrasted with the current state of research on the topic of "decent work". What data already exist? What results have been produced by the various research designs? Do recurring findings crystallize despite the greatest possible methodological diversity? Can a theoretical saturation be observed? What blind spots have emerged and how can they be addressed? How diverse can the MethodMix be with limited capacities?

The first two phases could be repeated if the methodological critique, that is to be carried out in parallel, is oriented towards empowering the workers themselves to further develop a concept of the “decent work”, at least within the company framework.

If you are interested in these or related questions, interested in collaborative and participatory research, or interested in exchanging ideas about the MethodMix, contact: richard.rath(at)b-tu.de