Hochschule
München
University of
Applied Sciences

Society

On the one hand, our society consists of technically and rationally organised sub-sectors. On the other hand, society is also the space in which people connect through social relationships. Major challenges are currently driving a transformation of society as we have known it for the past half-century. A declining youth population, digital communication, new forms of work and global connectivity are topics being investigated by HM researchers. They often work across the boundaries of their various disciplines, for example from the perspectives of design, the social sciences, economics or computer science.

Mindsnacks Company

Why are students best placed to provide information about cannabis?

Why are students best placed to provide information about cannabis? They know exactly how their peers think, speak and feel. As part of the CannaPeer project, HM students provide their peers with information about cannabis – based on facts, on an equal footing and without lecturing. To this end, the project develops easy-to-understand content for social media, podcasts and awareness-raising events. In this way, they share sound knowledge, dispel myths and encourage reflection.

CannaPeer

Why do judges order young people to read?

Young people who have come into conflict with the law often benefit more from reading and engaging with books than from conventional punishments. In the HM’s KonTEXT reading project, students read and discuss selected novels with the young people. This encourages them to reflect on themselves and their behaviour.

KonTEXT Reading Project

Does the four-day working week make us happier?

On a personal level, research shows that a four-day working week can have a positive effect on staff members’ well-being and health. However, scientific studies suggest that other factors, such as peer-to-peer leadership or a collaborative working environment based on mutual respect, have a greater impact. HM Professor Simon Werther from the Department of Tourism is conducting research on this topic.

4-day working week

Can democracy be fixed?

The RePair Democracy project has developed the ‘Democracy Café’, a format in which citizens can raise and address issues relating to a good quality of life in their neighbourhood. This enables them to implement specific ideas directly or to put them forward to local politicians – a social innovation that facilitates participation and ‘repairs’ democracy. HM Professor Gerald Beck and Dr. Robert Jende from the Department of Applied Social Sciences are conducting research.

Democracy Café

How is climate change affecting our holidays?

Climate change is leading to an increase in extreme weather events, such as wildfires and heavy rainfall, in popular holiday destinations. Health risks will play a role in travel decisions in the future: more short breaks, a preference for cooler regions, or more spontaneous travel behaviour are possible consequences. HM Professor Markus Pillmayer from the Department of Tourism is conducting research on this topic.

Travel and climate change

How does social media influence our thoughts?

To prevent boredom and disengagement, social media platforms use artificial intelligence. Users are shown targeted content designed to trigger emotions. As a result, we perceive only a fraction of reality, and information bubbles form that alter our thoughts and judgement. HM Professor Ralph-Miklas Dobler from the Department of General and Interdisciplinary Studies at Hochschule München is conducting research into this topic.

Social media bubble

Why are more and more older people ending up in prison?

As life expectancy rises and birth rates fall, the number of people who commit crimes in old age or serve prison sentences as senior citizens is also increasing. The causes of crime vary only slightly across age groups. However, the types of offences and their triggers change over the course of a person’s life. HM Professor Stefan Pohlmann from the Department of Applied Social Sciences at HM is conducting research on this topic.

Crime among the elderly

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Society