| 1. | Between Civic Participation and Apathy: Typologies of discursive strategies in contemporary Slovakia | This doctoral dissertation examines the internal logic of civic passivity and engagement in contemporary Slovak society through the lens of the ideology of cynicism and discourse analysis. Drawing on the concepts of S. Žižek, M. Foucault, and A. Badiou, it analyzes how subjects rationalize their (dis)interest in public affairs in relation to their visions of a collective future. The research employs a mixed-methods design, in which the primary qualitative inquiry - conducted via in-depth interviews and focus groups - is contextualized through secondary data from quantitative research. The objective is to identify a typology of discursive strategies that either stabilize cynical apathy or lead to political activation through a subjective “event” acting as a rupture and a new process. The thesis reflects on the current crisis of liberal democracy as a moment that opens space for both new and old social visions, while seeking intersections between individual experiences of injustice and structural ideological frameworks. The main contribution of this work lies in deepening the reflection on civic (non)engagement and theoretically extending empirical sociology through a synthesis of post-structuralist philosophy and field research within the specific context of a post-transformational society. |
| 2. | Changing attitudes toward work? Work orientations across the generations | This doctoral dissertation examines the differences and similarities in the work orientations of different generations. Generation is a key sociological concept referring to shared experiences and political, labour market, and social socialization over time, which form the basis for certain common characteristics in terms of attitudes, opinions, and behavior. The thesis will analyze the work orientations of generations that, based on sociological theories and the current state of empirical knowledge, can be assumed to have different attitudes toward work. The aim is to identify whether generational differences exist and how this is reflected in the development of general patterns of work orientations. |
| 3. | Institutional trust and environmental attitudes in Slovakia | The aim of this dissertation is to examine the relationship between institutional trust and environmental attitudes in Slovakia. Studying this topic necessitates the use of quantitative methods to analyze the impact of trust in state institutions on individuals' views on environmental issues and to identify the factors that shape these attitudes. |
| 4. | Urban–Rural Differences in Political Efficacy in Slovakia | The dissertation examines political efficacy (internal and external) in the context of socio-spatial differentiation in Slovakia. The main objective is to identify whether systematic differences in perceived political influence exist between urban and rural populations, and how these differences have evolved throughout the post-transformation period. The research investigates whether these disparities are converging or deepening over time, while considering contextual factors (urbanization, regional inequalities) and individual-level characteristics (political socialization, political interest, education, media consumption). Methodologically, the dissertation relies primarily on the analysis of quantitative data (e.g., EVS, ISSP), with an emphasis on temporal comparison and the identification of long-term trends. |
| 5. | A study of a public controversy concerning particular legislation | This dissertation will examine public debates and controversies concerning particular legislation chosen by the PhD student. This public and legal dispute will be analysed from the perspective of interpretive sociology, discourse analysis, or symbolic interactionism. Accounts and, where applicable, also the procedures of implementing legal regulations will likely be linked to broader issues of the rule of law, legality, justice, inequality, legitimacy, or unintended and unforeseen consequences. This thesis will draw on various types of data: documents, in-depth interviews, and selected media outputs. The aim is to describe the main frameworks and argumentative strategies which have been employed in competing explanations, as well as in legal or political tactics. |
| 6. | Workplaces as sites of socialization: hierarchy, agency and organizational self | This topic falls within the sociology of organisations, where workplaces are seen as sites of further and ongoing socialisation. The primary source of data will be narratives of specific work-related events with a formative impact on experiencing and interpreting one's own organizational position and subjectivity. The aim is to analyse the depiction of relations and practices that, for example, fostered either participation, inclusion and empowerment, or, on the contrary, differentiation, exclusion and subjugation. |
| 7. | Digital Technologies and intimacy among young adults | Drawing upon ethnography and interviews) the PhD thesis will examine the role of digital technologies in intimate relationships of young adults. The particular theme and research participants depend upon the interest of the PhD student and agreement with the supervisor. The examples: 1. Digital technologies and relationships among young adults 2. Negotiating autonomy in the usage of digital technology among young adults 3. Dating apps and their role in relationships of young adults. |
| 8. | Digital Technologies and Care | Drawing upon ethnography and interviews) the PhD thesis will examine the role of digital technologies in care practices and relationships. Conceptually, the work will be based on digital anthropology and STS. The particular theme and research participants depend upon the interest of the PhD student and agreement with the supervisor. The examples: 1. Edupage as an instrument of both care and control 2. Parental strategies regarding children’s use of digital technologies, 3. Elderly care and digital technologies. |
| 9. | Technology, ideology and power: concepts of today and images of the future in the discourse of AI leaders | The dissertation will focus on the ways and strategies by which technological leaders in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) formulate their political and economic goals and how they shape the image of the (imaginary) future and their place in it. Through a qualitative analysis of public statements by globally relevant figures in AI development (for example, Sam Altman, Mark Zuckerberg and others), it will analyze how these leaders formulate the significance of AI for social development and through what discursive and symbolic means they articulate arguments legitimizing their growing political influence, economic interests and ideological beliefs. What is their idea of ??society and their own role in it? Based on this qualitative analysis, the thesis will subsequently confront these findings with the experiences of actors and employees in the AI ??sector in Slovakia and, through interviews, examine how the ideas formed at the core of AI development (or formulated by key figures) are reflected on the semi-periphery of technological and ideological development. Conceptually, the work draws on cultural sociology, critical theories of technology and society (including feminist political economy), and science and technology studies. The research aims to deepen understanding of the relationship between technology, ideology, and social power/influence in contemporary society and to further develop this understanding in the context of the relationship between center and semi-periphery.
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