The new discussion paper "The Bitter Taste of Unemployment - Evidence from Plant Closures and Layoffs" by Max Steinhardt and Christopher Prömel is now available. Abstract This study examines the effects of unemployment on bitterness, which describes a feeling of not having achieved what one deserves compared to others. Pooled OLS and fixed effects estimates reveal a positive association between unemployment and bitterness. To identify the causal effect of unemployment on bitterness, we exploit variation from plant closures and layoffs in Germany, combining entropy balancing with difference-in-differences estimation. We find that unemployment leads to a substantial and significant increase in bitterness of nearly half a point on the 1-7 point Likert scale. We demonstrate the robustness of our findings and that both the experience of job loss and the state of being unemployed contribute separately to a significant increase in bitterness, with longer unemployment duration resulting in higher levels of bitterness. Lastly, we evaluate the persistence of our effects, finding significant long-term effects for those who remain unemployed for over one year. Link to the discussion paper

Aug 27, 2025 | Economics

Language proficiency and homeownership: Evidence from U.S. immigrants

The joint work of Marc-André Luik, Max Steinh ardt, and Simon Voss , " Language proficiency and homeownership: Evidence from U.S. immigrants " is now available in the Journal of Housing Economics. Abstract: In this paper, we deliver the first causal evidence on the relationship between immigrant host-country language proficiency and homeownership. Using an instrumental variable strategy, we find a substantial positive impact of language skills on the propensity to own a home and the quality of housing among immigrants in the United States. While this effect is mediated by household income, our estimates also speak in favor of a direct language effect. Suggestive evidence further indicates that part of this effect may be driven by discrimination. Our results highlight the importance of host-country-specific human capital and, in particular, language proficiency for socio-economic assimilation in housing markets. Link to the paper

Aug 13, 2025 | Economics

John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies

John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies

News

Holiday Party at the Literature Department on Dec. 3, 6-8 PM

Review of Vom Staat zur Marke: Die Geschichte des Nation Branding, by Reinhild Kreis, Universität Siegen

Conference: Geschichtsrevisionismus und Antiamerikanismus im Spiegel des Erinnerungsortes 1945, "Ami Go Home"?

Max Klose Named Finalist for the Richard T. Arndt Prize for Outstanding Work on Cultural Diplomacy

CAMPAIGN DAYS 2025 Against Sexualized Harassment, Discrimination and Violence

Lea Espinoza Garrido speaks at a conference on "Posthuman Ecofeminism in Art, Literature, and Aesthetics” in Bonn.

"Whiteness, Vulnerability, and (Environmental) Crisis” - new publication by Lea Espinoza Garrido

October 2025 Media Appearances

The program for the lecture series "Loss in the Land of Plenty" is now available.

Call for Papers: Young Scholars Forum of the Annual Conference of the Historians of the GAAS, Berlin, May 8-10, 2026

Good news: Now you are allowed to bring bags inside.

2026-27 Faculty Fellowship: The Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History

Conference Report: Jessica Gienow-Hecht, Nadja Klopprogge, and Maximilian Klose Reports on "Uncertain Boundaries in International History" Conference

Discussion Paper: The Bitter Taste of Unemployment - Evidence from Plant Closures and Layoffs

Language proficiency and homeownership: Evidence from U.S. immigrants

Call for Papers: The Epoch of the Hoax: Deception and Dis/Trust in 19th-Century America

Code of Conduct at Freie Universität Berlin

Harald Wenzel receives DRS Award for Excellent Supervision

Fulbright Stipend Program 2026-2027

Starter package for doctoral candidates