Module: The module “Scientific Methodology” (4 SWS in total) is divided into two components of 2 SWS each: a general introductory section on academic writing (offered separately) and a second part that explores different thematic areas, with various lecturers offering modules on distinct topics. In this second part of “Scientific Methodology” (2 SWS), we will examine multiple dimensions of women’s roles in economics and business.
Topics: Why do women still earn less than men? Why do they retire with on average less than 40% retirement income compared to men? What is the added value for companies to have more women on board and in leadership positions? And what would actually need to change — in companies, in politics, and in society — to reduce still persisting gender-based inequalities?
Gender disparities in earnings, working hours, and career trajectories still persist in labor markets. The unequal distribution of unpaid household and care work constrains women’s labor market participation even further. At the same time, increased gender diversity could have positive effects on firms, for example on ESG performance. This seminar investigates the structural mechanisms behind the “gender pay gap” and the resulting “pension gap” as well as the “gender care gap”. We will discuss whether increased gender diversity can measurably improve organizational outcomes, including firm performance and ESG performance of companies. The goal of this seminar is however not only to understand the complexity of gender-based disparities, but also to come up with ideas of how to solve them. In this class, we will critically assess which policy instruments could indeed shift the balance and provide a solution: from expanding childcare provision to rethinking how household and care work is shared, all the way to debating whether gender quotas in corporate leadership can actually deliver meaningful change and break the so called “glass ceiling”.
Approach: This module provides an introduction to academic research and writing. You will learn the principles of scholarly work directly through the process of developing your own seminar paper. Toward the end of the course, you will present the key findings of your paper in class.
Assessment and contribution to module mark: Seminar paper, presentation
Schedule:
21.03.2026 (Saturday!): 08:00 – 09:30 (classroom)
- 18.04.2026 (Saturday!): 08:00-17:00 (zoom)
- 15.05.2026: 11:30-13:00 (zoom)
- 13.06.2026 (Saturday!): 08:00-17:00 (classroom)
- 20.06.2026 (Saturday!): 08:00-14:00 (zoom)
SWS and CPs: 2 SWS
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Maria Lehner
Language: The course language is English (presentations are to be given in English; however, you may write your seminar paper in German if you like).
Registration: centralized enrollment procedure via moodle
- Dozent/in: Maria Lehner