Steffen Ernø

Steffen Ernø is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Aalborg University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. He is affiliated with the SCOPAS research group, dedicated to advancing social work theory and practice. His work bridges psychology, education, and political theory, with a strong emphasis on democratic values and ethical reasoning.

• PhD in Psychology, Aalborg University (2018)
• Master’s in Psychology, Aalborg University (2013)

Steffen Ernø’s research centers on the psychological and societal dynamics of freedom, democracy, and resistance to hegemonic power. He investigates how new social movements emerge in individualistic societies and how education—particularly entrepreneurship education—can be reimagined as a democratic practice. His work draws from cultural political psychology, critical theory, and philosophical psychology, engaging deeply with thinkers like Erich Fromm. He explores self-actualization, ethical reasoning, and collective action as tools for societal transformation.

His recent publications (2024) reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary scholarship, integrating psychology with political philosophy and educational theory. Themes include freedom, resistance to power, ethical practice, and the democratic potential of education. His work often employs a phronetic (practical wisdom-based) research methodology, emphasizing situated ethics and critical reflection.

Steffen Ernø has contributed to academic discourse through conference participation, including the International Society for Theoretical Psychology and the Niels Bohr Lectures. He led the 'Arete' research project (2022–2024), which focused on ethical reasoning and practice in social work. He has supervised PhD research, notably guiding S. M. E. Jensen’s thesis on rebellion in entrepreneurship education.

His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. He is actively involved in rethinking educational paradigms to foster democratic engagement and ethical awareness.

Steffen Ernø is a core member of the SCOPAS research environment, which aims to shape conceptual and practical advances in social work. His work is embedded in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams that challenge dominant narratives in psychology and education, promoting alternative visions of freedom and collaboration.