HBS Reseach Training Group „New Challenges in Aging Societies“ Approved at the Department of Social Sciences

How will the shortage of skilled workers develop? What role does lifelong learning play in this? How has the Corona pandemic changed the care sector? How does the lack of low-barrier housing affect different generations? Do queer people age differently?

The Hans Böckler Foundation has approved funding for the research training group "New Challenges in Aging Societies" (PK 055) with a provisional term of three years at the TU Dortmund University. The program awards twelve scholarships for researchers studying the challenges of demographic change in times of multiple crises (climate, pandemics, wars) for individuals, families and societies.

Central guiding questions are: How can self-determined aging be made possible for all in central areas of life and over the entire life course? How can generationally appropriate social participation be shaped in aging societies?

These questions are addressed in eight thematic areas: "Gainful Employment and Social Security", "Organization and Social Innovation", "Lifelong Learning", "Family and Reconciliation", "Health, Care and Social Support", "Housing and Neighborhood Development", "Social Rights and Justice" and "Inequality and Living Conditions".

The spokespersons of the research group are Prof. Martina Brandt and Prof. Mona Motakef from the Department of Social Sciences. Further participating researchers include Prof. Nicole Burzan, Prof. Jürgen Howaldt (Social Research Center), Prof. Angelika Poferl and Prof. Monika Reichert, all from the Department of Social Sciences, as well as Prof. Susanne Frank from the Department of Spatial Planning and Prof. Uwe Wilkesmann from the Center for Higher Education (zhb).