Law, as a central instrument of governance, is committed to the principles of neutrality, objectivity and equality. In social reality, however, this normative ideal encounters various dynamics of inequality. As a result, law can have different effects in society: it can legitimize or further reinforce inequalities, but it can also contribute to limiting and balancing them.

These interrelationships are being studied by the research group “Law and Governance in the Context of Social Inequalities” within the framework of Socio-Legal Studies or Law & Society research. It was established in April of 2024 and is headed by Professor Michael Wrase. Our researchers come from highly interdisciplinary backgrounds, including sociology, political science, educational science, anthropology, and law.

One key area of research is on access to justice, i.e. whether all individuals can equally mobilise and enforce their individual rights. In the multi-year project “Access to Justice in Berlin”, funded by the Department for Justice and Consumer Protection of the Berlin government, we have combined extensive field observations at advice bureaus and legal application offices with quantitative analyses of data on civil proceedings in Berlin courts. With additional funding by the Volkswagen Foundation and other organisations we are deepening this research with a particular focus on digitalisation, judicial data analyses, and access to justice in cases of gender-based violence.

Another important strand of our research is on education law and educational governance, which has emerged from several collaborative projects with educational scientists at the WZB. One such project, e.g., examines how private schools are regulated, and whether the regulations in place effectively ensure equal access to these partially state-funded schools. In a previous project we analysed the implementation of the Right to Inclusive Education, enshrined in the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In a current policy-oriented project we advise the Federal Government on their education and youth welfare law policies.    

The general research agenda of the group can be summarised as follows: We study law as a central means of governance by the state, a warrantor of the rule of law, and as a social phenomenon. We promote novel empirical, theoretical, and normative research on law in action. We provide research-based policy advice and engage in research-practice transfer. Importantly, we also foster interdisciplinary careers for young researchers in the field.

We are committed to expanding our socio-legal research to the European and international level and broadening our collaborative networks.  Should you be interested in our work, do not hesitate to get in touch.