Dr. Hanna Jeanrond

Problem outline: Trade unions have always been active as socio-political actors and have been able to anchor themselves in the welfare state as systemically relevant actors. Thus, processes of change in the welfare state cannot be understood without considering the dynamics of trade unions within it. As a result of changes in social structures and political modes of governance due to transformational social policy reforms in recent decades, there are many "decline theories" about trade unions in political science, including in the field of social policy.

Aim: In my doctoral thesis, I analyze the changing role of trade unions as social policy actors in the much-discussed transformation process of the welfare state. The aim is to examine the influence of trade unions on social policy caesuras in several social policy fields in order to see what learning processes have taken place in the trade unions and how they are adapting to the changed conditions. In particular, newly emerging trade union action strategies in response to the restructuring of the welfare state will be examined. This will be discussed in the light of the historical role of trade unions as socio-political actors under changed socio-political modes.

"Trade Unions and Social Policy - A Systematic Analysis of the Dynamics of Trade Union Action Strategies in the Transformation Process of the Welfare State"

Hanna Jeanrond was a research assistant in this department.

Hanna Jeanrond left the University of Kassel on 30.09.2016. If you have any questions regarding student research projects etc., please contact Ms. Tanja Schöttner (e-mail: schoettner@uni-kassel.de).

I started getting involved in socio-political issues while I was studying political science at the University of Kassel: After an eight-week internship at IG Metall Nordhessen, I was able to make many contacts and was given the opportunity to work there for six months alongside my studies. During this time, I was able to gain a comprehensive insight into the organizational structures and the political decision-making process of trade unions.

During my studies, I focused on the government system of the Federal Republic of Germany and trade union research, which are also reflected in my final theses. After graduating, I was given the opportunity to work as a research assistant at the Department of Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany on a project on the "Social Association VdK" and to test political science theses on the membership development of associations using this case study.

Since March 2012, I have been working as a research assistant at the department and can teach and research on my areas of interest and focus, which is reflected in my dissertation project on "Trade Unions and Social Policy", among other things.

• Jeanrond, Hanna (2014): Gewerkschaften und soziale Sicherung, in: Schroeder, Wolfgang (ed.): Handbuch Gewerkschaften in Deutschland, 2nd ed. Wiesbaden: Springer VS.
• Futh, Sascha Kristin/ Jeanrond, Hanna (2013): The success of the social association VdK. How an association transforms itself into a membership magnet. HBS working paper, Düsseldorf: HBS

Since March 2012

Research assistant at the University of Kassel in the department "Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany - Statehood in Transition" with Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schroeder

January - March 2012

Research assistant at the University of Kassel to carry out a project for the Hans Böckler Foundation on the "VdK Social Association"

January 2012

Obtained the academic degree of Master of Arts in Political Science at the University of Kassel (topic: "The dilemma of governing in coalitions Coalition partners: not friend - not foe. In search of the best rules and structures for successful coalition management in modern coalitions.")

2009

Obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Kassel (topic: "Parties and Trade Unions. The relationship in the grand coalition in the mirror of historical development.")