Prof. Dr. Merlin Schaeffer
Research fields
I am a sociologist who studies how international immigration is transforming societies, currently with a particular focus on citizens’ clashing views on the definition and prevalence of ethno‑racial discrimination. My work draws on diverse social theories and research methods to gain insights on challenges to equality and social cohesion in an increasingly diverse world.
CV
Career Stages
Since 2023 Professor at the Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen.
2018-2022 Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen
2015–2018 Associate Professor at the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, University of Cologne
2014–2015 Visiting Professor, Institute of Sociology, Karslruhe Institute of Technology
2009–2015 (Senior) Researcher at the Department "Migration, Integration, Transnationalization, WZB Berlin Social Science Center,
Education
2012 PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam
2008 MA Social Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Selected Publications
Schaeffer, Merlin, Krzysztof Krakowski, and Asmus Olsen (2024): “Correcting Misperceptions about Ethno‑Racial Dis‑crimination: The Limits of Evidence‑Based Awareness Raising to Promote Support for Equal‑Treatment Policies.” American Journal of Political Science, https://doi.org/10.1111/ajps.12933
Schaeffer, Merlin & Judith Kas (2024) “The Integration Paradox: A Review and Meta-Analysis of the Complex Relationship Between Integration and Reports of Discrimination.” International Migration Review, 58(3): 1384 ‑ 1409.
Schaeffer, Merlin & Judith Kas (2024). “The Integration Paradox: Does Awareness of the Extent of Ethno-Racial Discrimination Increase Reports of Discrimination?” Political Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.13027
Wiedner, Jonas & Merlin Schaeffer (2024). “Spatial overlap: trade-offs in refugees’ residential choices.” Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 51(5), 1075–1097.
Schaeffer, M. & Kas, J. (2023) The Integration Paradox: A Review and Meta-Analysis of the Complex Relationship Between Integration and Reports of Discrimination. International Migration Review. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/019791832311708
Wiedner, Jonas, Merlin Schaeffer, and Sarah Carol (2022): “Ethno-Religious Neighbourhood Infrastructures and the Life Satisfaction of Immigrants and Their Descendants in Germany.” Urban Studies 00420980211066412. doi: 10.1177/00420980211066412.
Schaeffer, Merlin, and Mikkel Haderup Larsen (2022): “Who Should Get Vaccinated First? Limits of Solidarity during the First Week of the Danish Vaccination Programme.” European Sociological Review jcac025. doi: 10.1093/esr/jcac025.
Dinesen, Peter, Merlin Schaeffer & Kim Sønderskov (2020): “Ethnic Diversity and Social Trust: A Narrative and Meta‑Analytical Review.” Annual Review of Political Science, 23: 441‑465
Schaeffer, M. (2019): Social Mobility and Perceived Discrimination: Adding an Inter-generational Perspective. European Sociological Review 35(1): 65–80.
Heisig, J.P., Schaeffer, M. & Giesecke, J. (2017): The Costs of Simplicity: Why Multilevel Models May Benefit from Accounting for Cross-Cluster Differences in the Effects of Controls. American Sociological Review 82(4): 796–827.
Legewie, J. & Schaeffer, M. (2016): Contested Boundaries: Explaining Where Ethno-Racial Diversity Provokes Neighborhood Conflict. American Journal of Sociology 122(1): 125–161.
The Association between Perceived and Actual Xenophobia (APAX)
Head: Prof. Dr. Merlin Schaeffer
Staff: Dr. Judith Kas
Duration: 2020 - 2024
Funding: DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)