Ensuring a Just Transformation

In Germany, “integrated urban development concepts” (known by their German abbreviation “ISEK”) are an implementation-oriented management and coordination tool used by municipalities to guide urban development in urban areas that are disadvantaged in terms of urban planning, social conditions, and local economy. They are developed for a selected urban neighborhood with the participation of various government agencies, community stakeholders, and the public, and are a prerequisite for funding under the “Social Cohesion” program, which is enshrined in the German Federal Building Code.

The goal of the SalusTransform collaborative project is to evaluate, for the first time in Germany, the effectiveness of ISEKs in improving health, reducing social inequalities, and enhancing environmental sustainability and environmental justice in urban areas. ISEKs are evaluated using a quasi-experimental design in the form of a controlled, non-randomized intervention study. To this end, in the cities of Bremen, Bochum, and Wuppertal, an urban area in which an ISEK is being (or has been) implemented is compared with an urban area of similar social structure without a corresponding concept. Given the multi-year development and implementation phase, three ISEK areas were selected that are at differing stages of ISEK implementation. Taken as a whole, the different stages of ISEK implementation in the three cities provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of multi-year interventions within a relatively short project timeline.

In collaboration with stakeholders from municipal administrations and neighborhood communities, the project analyzes, first, how the ISEKs have been designed in substantive terms and how the individual measures have been implemented. Secondly, the project examines the extent to which ISEKs can help establish healthy and sustainable living conditions for everyone in a neighborhood. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on existing social, environmental, and health data held by municipal authorities as well as new data collected during the project.

The project team will work with civil society stakeholders and city officials to assess the evaluation results and explore options for continuing the evaluation of the longer-term effects of the ISEKs in the three cities. Elements of the evaluation methodology for ISEKs are intended to be transferable to other municipalities in order to contribute to evidence-based decision-making within the framework of a Health Equity in All Policies strategy.

Key figures: 

• Funding Provider: German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR)

• Duration: February 1, 2025 - January 31, 2028

• Coordinator of collaborative project:

  • Professor Gabriele Bolte

  • Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research

  • University of Bremen

  (A collaborative project involving three institutions/project partners in cooperation with local governments and stakeholders in three cities)

• Affiliation/institute: 

  • Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research

  • Department of Social Epidemiology

The Research Institute Social Cohesion (RISC) has a clear connection to social sustainability, as we examine how social cohesion can be secured in the long term despite inequalities, conflicts, and social divisions. Topics such as inclusion, social justice, civic education, democratic participation, and understanding between different social groups serve a purpose of supporting a stable, resilient, and sustainable society – all key elements of sustainable development.

At the Research Institute Social Cohesion, located in Bremen, we focus on investigating social, cultural, and political inequalities and conflicts as sources of risk to social cohesion. Conversely, this raises the central question of which social practices and processes foster social cohesion. In particular, we are interested in social networks, recognition, and communication as well as forms of mediated community-building and cultures of conflict and protest. To this end, we combine perspectives of sociology with those of political science and media studies, focusing on the key concepts of “social milieus,” “lifestyles,” “networks,” “(media) communities,” and “protest cultures.”

In particular, we aim to subject the notion of “society drifting apart” to a sociological analysis. By analyzing social cohesion as a multilevel structure of cohesion within and between social milieus, we aim to contribute to the theoretical conceptualization of social cohesion. The further development of the milieu concept is also intended to establish a visible RISC brand and to position the milieu concept both within social structure research (as an alternative to the SINUS milieus) and in transfer initiatives and publications (including as an alternative to the “More in Common” typology).

Closely linked to these research questions, the Bremen transfer projects focus on how understanding can be fostered across milieu boundaries and how social stakeholders reflect on and interpret their position and influence in society in relation to issues of social cohesion. To this end, we aim to develop transfer formats that encourage dialogical reflection on the social practices and societal processes underlying milieu segmentation and conflict.

The sustainability aspect is reflected here in the form of social sustainability, equitable social participation, long-term democratic stability, resilient communities, and inclusive communication and conflict resolution. Social justice and participation are considered cornerstones of sustainable social development. These topics strengthen democratic competence and resilience in the long term – a core element of sustainable development.

Key figures: 

• Funding provider: German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR)

  State of Bremen

• Duration: June 1, 2024–May 31, 2029

• Project coordinator: Professor Sebastian Haunss

• Affiliation/institute: RISC (SOCIUM)

We examine patterns of interstate solidarity in three areas of global stress: disaster relief after earthquakes, floods, and storms; climate finance that assists less-developed countries to cut emissions and adapt to rising seas and extreme weather; and post-conflict reconstruction, which aims to rebuild basic infrastructure and prevent renewed violence. We describe international responses to these challenges over time, and explore the conditions associated with global unity or division in assistance and support.

In particular, we consider how patterns of global solidarity are shaped by domestic systems of solidarity. How does the welfare state and the generosity of its pensions, health care, unemployment insurance, family benefits, and social assistance shape the ability and willingness of governments to give moral and material support to foreign countries? We focus on two dimensions of welfare state generosity. First, who is included? In some countries, only those with stable employment or a certain status enjoy reliable protection. In others, most residents can count on public healthcare and income support when they fall ill, lose their job, or grow old. Second, what level of benefits is provided? In some welfare states, benefits barely prevent destitution; in others, they allow people to maintain a decent standard of living through times of crisis. These domestic design choices create different solidarity cultures. Inclusive systems with a high level of benefits inculcate values of risk-sharing and an expectation of state intervention. Minimal or sharply segmented systems may make solidarity more fragile and contested, both at home and abroad.

In our analysis, we combine “big-picture” and “close-up” perspectives. We use large international datasets to compare countries over time, asking whether those with more generous welfare states contribute more often and more reliably to addressing global challenges. We also analyze selected countries and events in detail to trace how debates about deservingness, fairness, and responsibility unfold in international institutions, national parliaments, and the media.

“The Politics of Global Solidarity” presents an inside-out view of the welfare state: Instead of treating institutions of domestic welfare merely as objects of global pressure, we consider how they shape the willingness and capacity of societies to act together to address disaster, climate change, and violent conflict globally. The welfare state is not just about social policy at home. It also provides a foundation for solidarity abroad.

Key figures: 

• Funding provider: CRC 1342

• Duration: 2026–2029

• Project coordinator: Philipp Genschel

• Affiliation/institute: InIIS

The Transformation of Climate Communication Narratives: an Analysis of (Visual) Representations of Climate Change

Over the past three decades, climate communication has evolved into a distinct research field, leading to significant advances in our understanding of how to effectively communicate anthropogenic climate change. Despite these developments, applying research findings to support comprehensive political, economic, and social change remains a challenge. With the rise of digital media, the study of visual content and the role of various types of (social) media in communicating about climate change have become increasingly important. Climate change discourse is often dominated by dystopian images of an impending environmental collapse, which makes it difficult to envision successful socio-ecological transformations. This issue is of critical importance, as visual representations influence public perception and engagement. Effective visual representations can inspire action, sharpen our understanding of climate justice, and support a deeper understanding of anthropogenic climate change.

This research project aims to analyze how visual representations transform climate communication narratives. In particular, the project aims to examine whether online communication empowers formerly marginalized groups and perspectives, how counter-hegemonic climate discourses envision possible climate futures, and what role climate justice plays in this context. The project is also intended to examine how these visual representations influence perceptions and understanding of climate change and what role they play in mobilizing the public. By examining case studies and visual campaigns, this study aims to identify effective visual strategies that convey the complexity of climate change and emphasize the urgency of action, ultimately contributing to more effective public engagement and transformative climate communication.

Key figures: 

• Funding provider: General budget (dissertation project)

• Duration: August 2024–August 2027

• Project coordinator: Professor Leonie Tuitjer

• Affiliation/institute: artec Sustainability Research Center