Current research projects from the department

Annette Sprung, Brigitte Kukovetz

This project takes a closer look at how women rise within a works council or the
trade union and reach central positions. The aim is to analyze which (informal and non-formal) learning and educational processes have an influence on this and which
strategies and skills women works council members/staff representatives/
trade unionists have acquired or developed in order to advance their careers
and perform their tasks well. At the same time, questions are also asked about any needs for
further support in the respective representation activities and career development
. This approach is intended to provide a more accurate picture of the
skills required by works council members and trade unionists, irrespective of
gender. The aim is to identify potential for future trade union education work.

Duration: 15.10.2022 - 14.5.2023

Funded by the Styrian Chamber of Labor

Annette Sprung, Brigitte Kukovetz, Petra Wlasak

This scientific project of the Institute for Educational Science at the University of Graz dealt with the question of active citizenship and possibilities for successful coexistence of an increasingly diverse population in Graz. In a participatory, artistically accompanied process, the scientific team developed, researched and transferred the potential of an active urban citizenship into the public space in the context of a so-called Living Lab (four half-day workshops) in cooperation with the Frauenservice Graz. The project pursued an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach (educational, political and social sciences, human geography and actors from various fields of practice) and used qualitative methods of action research. The Graz team analysed questions that are evident for cities throughout Europe.

Duration: 01.01.2020 - 30.09.2021

The project was funded by Graz Kulturjahr 2020.

Summary of the research report "Active Urban Citizenship"

Annette Sprung, Brigitte Kukovetz

The starting point of the study is the observation that women are underrepresented in trade union education and that they are sometimes "lost" on the way to further education (after completing trade union school).

The aim of the empirical survey is therefore to analyze the barriers and conducive conditions for the participation of women in trade union further education offers, in particular further education offers after completing trade union school. The data collected should serve as a basis for the further development of educational offers and any other measures to promote women.

Empirically, a questionnaire survey will be carried out based on a literature study and qualitative interviews with experts. The target group of this online survey are graduates (of all genders) of the Trade Union School Styria and the Works Council Academy (BRAK).

Duration: 01.09.2020 - 30.04.2021

The study was funded by the Styrian Chamber of Labor.

Summary of the research report "The participation of women in trade union training courses. Barriers and facilitating factors"

The privacy policy for the online survey as part of the project can be found HERE.

Annette Sprung, Brigitte Kukovetz

In the summer of 2015, the number of people fleeing to Austria rose sharply. Civil society responded with a great willingness to help, partly due to the lack of or inadequate state-organized support for a long time. This ranged from emergency care at borders and train stations, initial German lessons and the provision of private accommodation to political and cultural activities with the aim of improving care and raising public awareness. At the same time, the political framework and public discourse have changed and have been characterized by stricter legislation, negative media reports and protests in the following years, for example against the opening of accommodation for asylum seekers. Solidarity with refugees appears to be under scrutiny.

In an exploratory study, this research project used qualitative interviews to analyze what triggered solidarity with refugees, which biographical influences shaped the actors, but in particular also which structural and political conditions affected the shaping of solidarity in the receiving society. The focus is on questions about the learning and educational processes that took place in this context.

How can public opinion patterns and polarizing tensions surrounding migration society issues (such as differentiations between "us" vs. the "others"; "do-gooders" vs. "racists") be overcome and solutions created in the sense of a society that thinks and acts in solidarity and community? These questions were explored using the example of voluntary engagement in the field of refugees and asylum.

The study focused on the subjective learning and educational processes of volunteers, the socio-political factors influencing volunteering and its functions in the social and welfare state structure. The findings of the research were reflected on in terms of their practical consequences for political adult education and the support of volunteering. The transfer of concrete measures was discussed in cooperation with actors in the field of integration.

The empirical part of the project was qualitative and comprised interviews, group discussions and the analysis of selected material from social media.

On a theoretical level, the clarification and further development of solidarity concepts took place.

Duration: 1.3.2018-31.12.2019

Partner organizations:

• Institute of Education and Educational Science, Department of Adult and Continuing Education, Karl-Franzens-University Graz
• Institute of Philosophy, Department of Political Philosophy, University of Graz
• JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences, Institute for Social Work
• Integration Department of the City of Graz
• People's Aid Styria

Funded by the Office of the Styrian Provincial Government, Department 8 - Health, Care and Science, and by the City of Graz, Department for Education and Integration.

Summary of the research report "Learning solidarity"