In Political science there is abundant research on the effects of income inequality and labor market situation, such as unemployment (risk) or atypical employment on political attitudes and behavior. On wealth, however, there is much less research. For most households, the greatest part of wealth is formed through homeownership. The decision to invest in a home is the most significant financial decision in their lifetime for many households. Housing prices have surged over the past decades in line with financialization, while at the same time rents have increased as well. The housing market's structure, policies, and politics, along with housing values shape political, social, and economic outcomes.
Housing markets vary widely among developed countries, influencing political, social, and economic outcomes differently. This research-focused bachelor's course will examine three main areas:
- The Political Economy of Housing: How can we explain differences in the housing markets across capitalist democracies and how do markets develop, e.g., through financialization of housing.
- How does housing affect attitudes of individuals, for example by providing a form of insurance, wealth, and imputed rent for households.
- How does housing affect political behavior, such as voting behavior, or populism.
The course is set up partially as remote teaching via Zoom (5 meetings online: 12 April, 19 April, 26 April, 3 May, 10 May 2024 from 4-6 pm) and as a ”Blockseminar” at the University of Münster in person (25 and 26 May 2024). Students will have to present a paper in detail in the seminar as the formative assessment (”Studienleistung”). As marked assessment (”Prüfungsleistung”) students write an essay on a self-chosen question.
The aim of the seminar is twofold: First, students should practice reading, understanding, and discussing scientific literature (in English). Further, I aim to familiarize students with a current research agenda.
The seminar will be held entirely in English and is meant as a safe space practicing English in an academic context. Statistical knowledge about regression methods is required to understand the seminar literature.
Literature: Ansell, B. (2019). The politics of housing. Annual Review of Political Science, 22(1), 165–85
- Lehrende/r: Lukas Jerg