In its social scientific research about physical activity, department IV deals with social factors which promote or hinder physical activity. One research project focusses on the impact of stigmatization and discrimination on the physical activity behavior and sport participation of people with overweight and obesity. In further research projects, social networks and the impact of social group constellations on the physical activity behavior of different sections of the population (e.g. older people) are investigated. The research on the significance of social networks and group dynamics for physical activity behavior focusses especially on leisure settings such as public pools, beaches, playing grounds and parks.
