Peter Schulz

Peter Schulz is a Lecturer in the Department of General and Theoretical Sociology at the Institute of Sociology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Since October 2021, he has held this position, building on a long-standing relationship with the university that began with his research assistant work in 2012. He currently leads the 'Quantified Water' research project (QuaWaKon) within the Thuringian Water Innovation Cluster, demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary environmental research.

Dr. Schulz's research spans several critical areas of contemporary sociology. His work on capitalist subjectivation, detailed in his 2023 monograph The Contradictory Self: A Critical Theory of Capitalist Subjectivation, examines how contemporary capitalism shapes subjectivity through digitalization, precariousness, and authoritarian tendencies. He has made significant contributions to resonance theory, extending Hartmut Rosa's framework to explore human-environment relations and water governance. His research also encompasses sociology of technology, right-wing extremism, and qualitative research methods, reflecting a commitment to addressing pressing social issues through theoretically informed empirical work.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward interdisciplinary environmental sociology, particularly in water research, while maintaining strong connections to critical social theory. His work increasingly bridges sociology with environmental studies, examining how digital technologies mediate human relationships with natural resources. The publications also show consistent engagement with contemporary political challenges, including conspiracy theories during the pandemic and post-growth societal models.

• Project leader of 'Quantified Water' research initiative (2023-present)
• Active contributor to critical theory and resonance theory literature
• Regular collaborator with scholars across multiple disciplines
• Developing innovative approaches to social water research

Dr. Schulz teaches a diverse range of courses that reflect his interdisciplinary research interests, including topics on AI and society, nature-society relations, critical theory, and contemporary political challenges. His teaching emphasizes critical engagement with theoretical frameworks while addressing real-world social issues. Through his leadership of the QuaWaKon project and his position within the Department of General and Theoretical Sociology, he provides opportunities for students and researchers interested in the intersection of critical social theory, environmental sociology, and technology studies.