Albert Scherr

Albert Scherr is a Senior Professor at the Institute of Sociology at Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg. His academic career spans decades of research and teaching in sociological theory and social work. He maintains an active role in both academic and public discourse on contemporary social issues.

Professor Scherr's research interests encompass sociological theories, critical systems theory, social work theory, migration and refugee research, sociological discrimination and racism research, education research, and youth research. His work focuses on non-dogmatic theory development based on Luhmann's differentiation theory while challenging school-forming boundaries to critical theories and subject theories. He has conducted numerous empirical projects examining forms and effects of discrimination, particularly regarding refugees and Sinti and Roma communities.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on migration policy, discrimination studies, educational equality, and social work theory. Scherr examines the intersection of structural discrimination with individual coping mechanisms and empowerment strategies. His work increasingly addresses contemporary challenges like pandemic responses, border politics, and the relationship between social work and geopolitical shifts.

• Trust professor for Hans-Böckler Foundation
• Trust professor for Friedrich-Ebert Foundation
• Member of editorial boards for Sozial Extra, Soziale Probleme, and Zeitschrift für Flucht- und Flüchtlingsforschung
• Reviewer for German Research Foundation and Swiss National Fund

Scherr has supervised numerous doctoral students whose work examines discrimination in immigration societies, anti-Semitism among youth, Islamophobia, educational selection processes, and the right to education for asylum-seeking minors. His approach combines theoretical rigor with practical engagement in policy evaluation projects on integration measures and youth work. He is actively involved in several research networks including the Center for Capability Research at Bielefeld University and the Freiburg Network for Migration Research.