Nevertheless, and strikingly, the usual answer that the better-off are less afflicted may or may not apply, but is not completely sufficient. Indeed, the well-off have more resources than the poor to cope with substantial trouble, but even under relatively equal living conditions there are individuals or small groups, cities or other units who do better than their peers, be it that they are less harmed, recovering more quickly or even thrive where others don’t. This is called resilience.

The concept of resilience had originated in solid state mechanics, psychology and ecosystems research after the second world war, but entered sociology and economics hardly a decade ago, still remaining an interdisciplinary approach. The seminar will explore this concept by following the literature tracks since its origin, take a look at the changes necessary for using it in social sciences, and investigate its explanative power for the situation and development of individuals, households, organisations and institutions. We will learn about the ways to observe and measure resilience, and explore the pitfalls and chances of using the concept in socio-political fields of decision and action.

The seminar will be held in English through internet communication and is open for advanced students from sociology and other disciplines of the philosophical faculty. In order to ensure a satisfying level of debate in the seminar and prevent free riding, participants are requested to read the literature and prepare a brief paper in English of about 2-3 pages on a given question from meeting to meeting, ready to present and defend it orally during the seminar sessions. These papers can be collated and revised to be submitted as the seminar term paper until August 31st, but different elaborations on other topics related to the seminar are also welcome for this purpose, if agreed. Unjustified absence may lead to exclusion. Please be aware that the teaching mode may shift at short notice due to the general situation or the rules applicable.