About Us
The research group "Research and teaching on controversial issues" is an interdisciplinary forum for researchers at all levels working on questions perceived as emotional, sensitive, or conflicting. Learn more about our research here!
Main content
How can one conduct research on topics that spark debate and disagreement in society? How do people experience being in disagreement? These are questions the interdisciplinary research group "Research and teaching on controversial issues" seeks to answer. Central to our research are didactic perspectives on controversial issues and how controversial questions are addressed and managed in teaching, spanning both schools and in higher education.
Examples of typical controversial issues include identity politics, cultural appropriation, and cancel culture. However, the perception of what is controversial is contextual, and what may seem trivial in one context can create intense discussion and strong emotions in another. Therefore, our interest in "controversial questions" encompasses a broad range of topics, methodological approaches, and theoretical perspectives.
We explore the significance of context in understanding why something becomes controversial, what triggers emotional engagement among different groups and individuals, and how different historical understandings can create conflict in the present. Our focus includes researching and teaching on controversial issues, navigating the challenges researchers face when communicating and teaching controversial findings, and the ethical dilemmas this may entail.