The Politics of Recognition: How Social Status and Recognition Shape Attachment to Democracy in France and Germany

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Kathrin Ackermann
• Subject Area: Political Science
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 567439005

The project “The Politics of Recognition: How Social Status and Recognition Shape Attachment to Democracy in France and Germany” (RECOGNITION) explores how subjective social status, recognition, and elite rhetoric shape democratic attachment. It argues that lack of recognition, rather than low status alone, drives anti-establishment politics. Using quantitative methods, it combines population surveys, experiments, and an elite survey in Germany and France to examine how status perceptions and recognition influence political trust, participation, and attitudes towards democracy. The project is structured into four work packages, with the two national teams leading different tasks. Regular team meetings and workshops with external experts will support its implementation. By integrating insights from political science and sociology, the project offers a comprehensive analysis of social status, recognition, and attachment to democracy.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Partner Organisation: Agence Nationale de la Recherche / The French National Research Agency
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Maximilian Filsinger