Fulltime PhD-scholarship: Intergenerational social mobility

Fulltime PhD-scholarship (100%) On the subject of:
Intergenerational social mobility

Pfd-version

The topic of social mobility concerns the relationship between the social class position of people (their class destination) and the class position of their parents (their class origins). Social (im)mobility relates to important sociological topics of social inequality, poverty and fairness.
Both absolute and relative rates of social mobility have already been extensively investigated in many European countries for people born in the seventies or earlier, but the intergenerational mobility has been much less examined for people born in the eighties and nineties. These are interesting cohorts, given the further expansion of tertiary education, the post-industrialization and flexibilization of the labour market and the super-diversification of migration.
In addition, less is known about the absolute and relative mobility trends of migrants and their children. To which extent is the level of social mobility different between different ethnic groups? Do the mobility patterns depend of the integration policies of countries or the characteristics of the neighborhoods they grew up in?
We are looking for a Phd candidate who aims to prepare a doctoral dissertation in Sociology on the topic of intergenerational social mobility, under the supervision of Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe.

• Master’s degree in sociology, economics, demography or related sciences. Last year students are encouraged to apply too.
• Candidates should demonstrate academic excellence and rigor as well as curiosity.
• Advanced statistical skills.
• You are eager to learn more quantitative methods of analysis and data collection
• You are a loyal team-player and you agree to co-write and co-publish with the research team in high-impact scientific journals.
• You are fluent in English, spoken and written. Knowledge of Dutch is a bonus.
• Your research mentality is focused on “getting the things done”.
• You have strong communication skills

• A 4-year fulltime PhD-scholarship, renewable on a yearly basis
• Full reimbursement of (public transport) commuting expenses in Belgium.
• A dynamic and stimulating research environment.
• Flexible working hours with opportunities to work from home.
• Suggested (but not fixed) starting date: 1 October 2021

• Deadline for application: 15th of August 2021
• Job interviews will take place online on the 19th or 20th of August.
• Your application must at least include the following attachments:
o A brief curriculum vitae
o A concise statement of the reason for applying
o A copy or the extended summary of your master thesis
o A copy of your detailed study results (and if already available a copy of your master diploma)
• Your application should be written in Dutch or English
• Please email your application to Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe: Pieter-Paul.Verhaeghe@vub.be

For more information, please contact Prof. Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe: Pieter-Paul.Verhaeghe@vub.be