Florian Spissinger

Prof. Dr. Florian Spissinger has been Professor of Social Work – Theories and Methods at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) Villingen-Schwenningen since 2025. He teaches and researches within the Faculty of Social Work, concentrating on qualitative social research, homelessness, right-wing populism, and socio-ecological transformation.

Education & Career Path

• 2023: Doctorate (Dr. rer. pol., summa cum laude) in Political Science, University of Leipzig
• 2018–2021: BMBF doctoral scholarship, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
• 2009–2012: Dual Bachelor’s in Social Work (Care & Rehabilitation), DHBW Stuttgart

Research Focus

Spissinger’s work combines ethnographic fieldwork with affect theory to interrogate the emotional architectures of contemporary right-wing movements. He analyses how the AfD constructs an “emotional community” that offers feelings of belonging, moral vindication, and even pleasure to its adherents. Parallel strands of his research connect social-work practice with anti-climate politics, homelessness, and disability inclusion.

Scientific Awards & Fellowships

• 2024: Finalist, German Study Award (Social Sciences), Körber Foundation
• 2023: Dissertation Prize, Barbara Budrich Publishing House
• 2018–2021: BMBF Doctoral Scholarship, Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
• 2012: Award for Outstanding Achievements in the Bachelor’s Programme, DHBW Stuttgart

Research Grants & Networks

He is Co-speaker (since 2024) of the DVPW working group “Ethnographic Methods in Political Science” and an active member of the DGSA specialist group on “Climate Justice and Socio-Ecological Transformation in Social Work.” His earlier BMBF-funded PoliLab project investigated the malleability of national narratives through political laboratories.

Laboratories & Teams

At DHBW Villingen-Schwenningen he leads seminars on qualitative research, outreach emergency housing, and human-rights-based social work. He collaborates with the state-level Team meX programme (Baden-Württemberg State Office for Political Education) and maintains an active schedule of public-engagement talks, podcasts, and policy-oriented workshops.