Ulrike BerendtView profile
Professor
Prof. Dr. Ulrike Berendt is a University Professor for Practice-Oriented Social Sciences, specializing in Family and Housing, at the University of Duisburg-Essen's Faculty of Social Sciences. She has held this position since the Summer Semester of 2002, following her appointment at Gerhard-Mercator-University Duisburg (which later became the University of Duisburg-Essen). From SS 2008 to WS 2009/10, she served as Vice Dean for Studies and Teaching at the Department of Social Sciences. Her educational background includes studying social sciences, journalism and communication studies, and law at Ruhr University Bochum from 1989-1995, where she graduated with a degree in applied social research with a specialization in sociology. She received her doctorate in Social Sciences (Dr. rer. soc) from Ruhr University Bochum in 1998, supported by a doctoral scholarship from 1995-1997. Berendt's research focuses on family sociology and social change, urban and housing sociology, policy analysis, and governance. Her work examines generational relations, gender equality policy in Europe, welfare state models, urban development, migration in cities, and civil society. She analyzes policy fields, theoretical foundations, policy processes, actor networks, governance theories, and decision-making mechanisms. Her research consistently bridges academic theory with practical social policy applications. Her publication history reveals a strong emphasis on practical social science applications, particularly in housing policy, social welfare, and urban development. The most recent works show increasing focus on gender-sensitive housing solutions, neighborhood stabilization through cross-sectoral cooperation, and adapting urban environments to demographic changes like aging populations. Her research demonstrates consistent engagement with practical policy challenges faced by municipalities and social service providers. Berendt has held significant administrative roles including Chair of the Examination Board for BA Political Science, Equal Opportunities Officer for the Department of Social Sciences, and membership on the Faculty Council, Tuition Fees Steering Group, and Senate Commission for Teaching, Studies and Continuing Education. She has led numerous research projects funded by government ministries, particularly the Ministry for Health, Social Affairs, Women and Family of North Rhine-Westphalia. Her team includes scientific assistants Martin Krybus and Till Behmenburg, along with secretariat support from Stefanie Schuylen-Matuschek. Her work bridges academic research with practical social policy implementation, focusing on real-world social challenges in urban environments.
