1. Multidimensional Social Structure

A first line of research develops theoretical and methodological approaches to analysing the demographic composition of contemporary societies. Building on classical work on social structure and heterogeneity, as well as recent debates on superdiversity and intersectionality, I develop the concept of multidimensional heterogeneity as a framework for studying complex social structures. My research examines how the joint distribution of characteristics such as ethnicity, social origin, gender, age, or political orientations shapes social relationships, group boundaries, integration, social cohesion, and social inequality.

2. Migration and Integration

A second line of research examines how social relationships emerge in increasingly diverse societies and how they shape processes of integration. My work investigates interethnic friendships, the social integration of refugees, diversity and social cohesion, and subtle forms of discrimination. It shows how institutional contexts influence opportunities for intergroup contact and how stereotypes and routine social categorization can undermine integration even in the absence of explicit prejudice. Current work further examines how interethnic relationships develop across the life course and how transitions between schools, higher education, work, and family reshape social networks and social integration.

3. Educational Inequality

A third line of research investigates how social relationships shape educational processes and the reproduction of social inequality. I study how peer networks, social capital, neighbourhood contexts, and institutional arrangements influence educational decisions and opportunities. My work examines when social networks compensate for disadvantage and when peer influence reinforces educational inequalities. Current projects extend this perspective to school reforms, educational tracking, and the interplay between social networks, digital technologies, and institutional contexts in shaping educational outcomes and social cohesion.

4. Digital Transformation of Social Relationships

A fourth line of research explores how digital technologies transform the formation, maintenance, and consequences of social relationships. I investigate how digital communication, social media, and generative AI reshape social embeddedness, social cohesion, and inequality. Current projects examine whether digital interactions complement or replace offline relationships, how AI systems increasingly function as social interaction partners, and whether unequal access to and effective use of generative AI contributes to new forms of social inequality. Methodologically, this work combines longitudinal survey data with innovative data-donation approaches to study digital social networks and their consequences.