Lenka Štěpánková in an interview for MF DNES about parental regret

14 Sep

PRINS Mini-Conference at the Department of Sociology, FSS MU

We warmly invite you to the PRINS Mini-Conference, which will take place on Friday, 18 September 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. in room 3.71 at the Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University.

26 Aug

The annual seminar of the International Network on Leave Policies and Research

The annual seminar of the International Network on Leave Policies and Research brought leading international experts to Prague to discuss parental leave, equality, and social sustainability. On 28 and 29 May 2026, the 23rd International Seminar of the International Network on Leave Policies and Research was held at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague.

26 Aug

Martin Kreidl in Seznam Zprávy on the Causes of Record Low Fertility in the Czech Republic

Sociologist Martin Kreidl from the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University comments on the causes of the current fertility crisis in the Czech Republic in an extensive analysis published by Seznam Zprávy. He points out that the decline in the number of births is driven not only by economic uncertainty and limited housing affordability, but also by changing relationship patterns, the postponement of parenthood to later ages, and growing mental health challenges among younger generations. According to Kreidl, a key factor is the decline in stable partnerships, as the vast majority of children in the Czech Republic are still born within long-term relationships.

The article is available in Czech.

22 Jul

Why Are Winnetou and Mirek Dušín No Longer Today’s Heroes? Pavel Pospěch Interviewed by Seznam Zprávy

Pavel Pospěch, sociologist at the Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, recently spoke with Seznam Zprávy about changing ideas of heroism, individualism, and the culture of autonomy in contemporary society. Drawing on insights from his new book Lonely Heroes, he explains why today's audiences are more drawn to characters with inner conflicts and personal struggles than to flawless heroes such as Winnetou or Mirek Dušín. The interview also explores the declining influence of institutions and how the growing emphasis on authenticity and individual responsibility can contribute to feelings of uncertainty and loneliness.