GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Variables under scrutiny may go beyond those used in the European Commission’s annual Rule of Law Report (variables such as baskets of opportunities, capabilities, etc.) as well as areas of outcomes that do not figure in this report and yet have important impacts on justice and inequality.

In addition, networks can also create value for individuals and clubs (club goods) that transfer the benefits of public goods (such as tax-funded education in elite institutions) to individual families, specific social groups and their descendants. Such social and economic captures, which have always existed, persist and in many cases have become stronger over time, thus reinforcing inequalities in the modern age. Similarly, the value of environmental public goods/commons might benefit only better off residents of certain types of cities. Such examples can be multiplied. Proposals should also map this type of value creation in a quantitative manner.

Proposals should explore changing valuation of public/common goods depending on different network topologies. They should investigate how are metrics of social (persons, individuals, not social media networks) and contractual (private contracts, private trades) networks associated with varying valuations public/common goods. Based on that, proposals should improve knowledge of the social cost aspects of weakening the rule of law. They should provide robust quantification strategies in the area of rights and freedoms in the national and European context.

Proposals should investigate historical developments to provide better understanding of present situation and present challenges.