Since 2024, we are  working on a social scientific experiment as part of the „Building Bridges“ project. This survey experiment investigates how media-communicated social recognition of „work“ and „working people“ influences democratic attitudes notably among the working-class. In a context of societal polarization and populism, it aims to provide evidence that positive communication strategies—such as those explored through our film work—have societal effects.

The experiment is conducted as a collaboration between Paulus Wagner (EUI) with George Georgarakis (University of Vienna) and Jan Rovny (Sciences Po Paris). The study is being carried out in three European countries. As of April 2025, we are analyzing our first results.​

This subproject highlights the deep integration of artistic and scientific disciplines, through recognized contributions in both fields, and underscores the research-based objectives of the overall “Building Bridges” project.​