Family is a term that is familiar to everyone, but from a sociological perspective, it can be defined and analyzed in various ways. In family sociology, we assume different perspectives: As a social subsystem, we focus on structural changes such as declining birth rates, an increase in childlessness, diverse forms of partnership, changing gender roles, and the challenges of balancing family and career. From an individual perspective, family is understood as a place of social interaction—a space where socialization takes place, intergenerational relationships are formed, and support is provided in different phases of life.
It is becoming increasingly clear that family is no longer exclusively associated with a joint household. Technological, social, and demographic developments, in particular increased life expectancy, have greatly changed familial structures in recent decades. These days, it is increasingly common to find multigenerational households, while the size of households is declining and family members often no longer live in close proximity to one another. In urban contexts, close friendships now assume some of the functions that were previously reserved for the family. Thus, family has become a complex and dynamic network that extends well beyond immediate family.
In order to better understand the diversity of these social interconnections, we use network analysis. This approach assumes that individuals are part of social relationships that exert a significant influence on their actions. The analysis attempts to examine not only the person themselves, but rather how they are embedded in social structures and what room for action this allows them. In particular, the combination of family sociology and network research opens up a deep understanding of the complexity of modern family forms.
Our courses cover this content in various formats, such as lectures, seminars, colloquia, and project seminars. The fundamentals of network analysis are explored in depth during a one-week spring school specifically designed for master’s and doctoral students. Students are also welcome to seek mentoring from our department staff for their final theses.
Working on cloud nine?! The impact of cloudworking on family life
On January 29, 2026, Omar Shehata from the research unit Network Research and Family Sociology will provide an in-depth insight into his current research as part of the online talk series “Familie im Fokus.”
| Event information |
January 29, 2026 | 2 – 3 p.m.
Working on cloud 7! The impact of cloudworking on family life
Omar Shehata, M.A.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
How do cloud workers manage their work-life balance? With cloud working, the boundary between work and private life often becomes blurred, and has specific implications for family life in terms of its production. The New Work Movement, which argues that capitalist wage labor is outdated and that work must be transformed so that it is free and self-determined for employees, serves as the starting point for these considerations.
On May 28, 2025, the president of JGU, Prof. Dr. Georg Krausch, awarded Dr. Heiko Rüger the title of “Adjunct Professor” at the recommendation of department 02 and with the approval of the JGU Senate.
The Institute of Sociology congratulates him warmly!
Spring School Network Newbies
In this one-week compact course, you will learn the theoretical and practical basics of network research. The course is aimed primarily towards master’s students, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral researchers at the University of Mainz who want to learn the methods of network analysis and apply them directly to their own projects.
Look forward to interactive learning units, lively evening lectures by experts in network research, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other participants.
Further details as well as the registration form can be found on the official event website.
