Competition: Competitive Figurations and their Cultural Logics

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Markus Tauschek
• Subject Area: Social and Cultural Anthropology and Ethnology
• Term: from 2014 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 256304398

The scientific network analyzes the various and complex cultural dimensions of competition in the context of a late modern achievement-oriented society. A central goal of the network is to discuss cultural anthropological and interdisciplinary perspectives on competitive logics, practices and discourses in different social fields. Members of the network therefore present case studies on a micro level as well as more systematic and theoretical reflections and perspectives. The growing influence of competitive structures and ideologies will be critically analyzed by deconstructivist approaches. The network tends to understand how these competitive structures emerge, how they are legitimized and popularized, and finally how they influence life worlds and everyday culture. Therefore the network uses Norbert Elias concept of figuration in order to analyze the various actors and groups of actors who constitute and shape competitive fields. The network uses comparative analysis as a heuristic tool. The main material outcome of the network activities will be a programmatic publication.

• DFG Programme: Scientific Networks