Learning Laboratory: Prof. Martin Dege on the Psychology of Social Distancing

In the fifth episode of the Learning Laboratory series, AUP’s Professor Martin Dege discusses the psychological implications of ‘social distancing’, particularly as it affects the older generations. As Dege explains, “a discourse has emerged that renders older people as the object of protective measures. I want to critically examine the idea of ‘social distancing’ and question the concept of ‘protecting’ at risk groups.”

About Professor Martin Dege 

Martin Dege joined The American University of Paris in August 2018. He received his PhD and MA degrees from Clark University, Massachusetts and a BA from Freie Universität Berlin. Martins research follows three strands; on the theoretical level he is interested in the historical emergence of psychology as a discipline, more specifically, how various theoretical ideas have been intertwined with political interests and power struggles to form the discipline as it stands today. On the empirical level, he investigates how new forms of technology change our everyday lives, at once unfolding new potentials for inclusive practices across our society and foreclosing particular local traditions and systems of thought. On the institutional level, he explores concepts of digital humanities and how digitalization changes both research and teaching.