Theory of Human Differentiation

Typology and Relevance

It is intended to advance the CRC’s guiding concepts in social theory based on the empirical results of the other projects, using a systematic comparison of diverse cases of human differentiation. It will place the CRC’s subject matter as a case of cultural differentiation alongside the functional and stratificational differentiation of society.

Its guiding questions are: How can a typology of human differentiation be formed that determines its scope as a basic concept? What are the conditions under which human differentiations gain or lose social relevance? How are they linked to forms of social and societal differentiation?