LEAD Graduate School & Research Network

Isabelle Fischer, M.A.

My dissertation aims at investigating the consequences of several trends that could recently be observed in Western societies: increasing relationship instability, increasing use of formal child care and increasing father involvement in children’s upbringing.

I intend to provide a more in-depth understanding of the importance of early childhood education and care arrangements and how they may interact with family processes for early child development. Additionally, I combine theories from the field of gender studies with developmental theories and examine whether the source of educational stimulation (mother/father) plays a crucial role when it comes to a child’s development or whether the overall amount is more important.

The research questions of my thesis fit well with several of LEAD’s key questions, for instance, by providing evidence on how the quality of formal learning environments may reduce the impact of family-induced behavioral problems which are often also linked to socio-economic disadvantage. Furthermore, the project explores how changing home learning environments may impact children’s cognitive and self-regulation skills, with particular attention to differences by child gender, across the transition to primary school.

Curriculum Vitae

Since 10/2016
Associated member of the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network

University of Tübingen

Since 10/2016
PhD Candidate

LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tübingen

08/2015 - 07/2016
Student Research Assistant

Department of Economics, University of Mannheim

08/2014 - 07/2015
Year abroad

Indiana University Bloomington (USA)

08/2014 - 07/2016
Master of Arts in Sociology

University of Mannheim

06/2013 - 07/2014
Student Research Assistant

GESIS Mannheim

06/2013 - 08/2013
Internship

Department of Social Psychology, University of Mannheim

08/2011 - 07/2014
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

University of Mannheim