Paul Marx

Paul Marx is Professor of Political Economy at the University of Bonn, where he serves as Managing Director of the Institute of Political Science. He holds a Heisenberg Professorship awarded by the German Research Foundation (2023-2028) and is affiliated with the IZA – Institute of Labour Economics as a Research Fellow. Prior to his position at Bonn, he held professorships at the University of Duisburg-Essen (2017-2023) and the University of Southern Denmark (2011-2017).

• PhD in Social Sciences from University of Cologne (2011)
• MA in Political Science from Free University of Berlin (2005-2008)
• BA in Political Science from University of Marburg (2003-2005)

Professor Marx's research focuses on political inequality, labor market policy, political socialization, and the politics of taxation and redistribution. His work examines how socioeconomic status affects political participation and representation, particularly how material deprivation in childhood shapes political attitudes later in life. He also investigates the political dynamics behind taxation policies and why democratic majorities often resist increasing taxes on the wealthy despite potential material benefits.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on political inequality, with particular attention to the mechanisms connecting economic hardship to political disengagement. His research employs diverse methodologies including comparative panel data analysis, survey experiments, elite interviews, and focus groups to understand the micro and macro dynamics of political inequality across different contexts.

• Heisenberg Professorship awarded by German Research Foundation (2023-2028)

Professor Marx leads several major research projects funded by the German Research Foundation, including 'Growing into politics under material hardship' (2023-2026) and 'Social emotions and the experience of politics in everyday life' (2021-2024). He directs a research team at the University of Bonn comprising Dr. Alice Barth, Dr. Sebastian Jungkunz, and Dr. Florian Fastenrath, who collaborate on projects examining political inequality, taxation politics, and the emotional dimensions of political behavior. His research has been supported by prestigious institutions including Sciences Po Paris (Alfred Grosser Chair, 2022-2023), University of Konstanz, and University of Oxford (Nuffield College).

Professor Marx leads a research group at the University of Bonn focused on political inequality and political behavior, with team members specializing in quantitative analysis of political participation, elite politics, and experimental approaches to understanding political emotions in everyday life.