Manuela Westphal

Prof. Dr. Manuela Westphal holds the Professorship of Socialization with a focus on Migration and Intercultural Education at the University of Kassel's Institute of Social Work (Department of Human Sciences). Her research examines migration's impact on family dynamics, gender roles, and disability inclusion through interdisciplinary lenses.

• Key memberships: Tenure Track Board, FoSS Research Network, Doctoral Committee for Social Work, IMIS Corresponding Member, VPAK Board, IAGF, DGfE Sections

She investigates transnational family networks, intersectionality of gender/migration/disability, educational trajectories in migration contexts, and inclusive resettlement frameworks. Her work bridges theory-practice gaps in social work professionalism.

Recent publications address refugee family dynamics (2025), parenting under asylum conditions (2024), and methodological innovations in migration research. Articles demonstrate recurring themes of intergenerational adaptation, cultural negotiation, and exclusion/inclusion mechanisms.

Current projects involve inclusion trajectories of resettled refugees and intersectional analysis of migration's impact on social work. She will take a research leave in 2025/26 but maintains active roles in multiple academic committees.