Richard Rath

Topic of the dissertation

Good work?
Confronting a normative dilemma on the basis of current surveys

What contribution can empirical research make to reformulating the social ideal of good work? With due normative restraint, at least 100 workers are asked: What experiences of "good work" have you had? And what do you wish for "good work"? In three-stage workshops, individual aspects and group opinions on these questions are noted down.

In the second phase of the dissertation, the results of the surveys and workshops are compared with the current state of research on the topic of "good work". What data already exists? What results have been produced by the various research designs? Do recurring findings emerge despite the greatest possible methodological diversity? Can a theoretical saturation be observed? What blind spots have emerged and how can these be remedied? How diverse can the mix of methods be given limited capacities?

The first two phases could be repeated if the methodological critique to be carried out in parallel is geared towards empowering the workers themselves to continue their good work, at least within the operational framework.

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