The role and functions of expertise in contemporary societies : evidence from the German Hartz Commission

Abstract: Following the concepts of knowledge societies, capacity for effective action is limited mainly by the availability and application of expert knowledge. Experts can therefore be seen as influential actors in societal decision-making. Taking the prognosis that modern society is on a way of transformation towards a knowledge society as point of departure, this thesis explores the role experts and their expertise plays in policy and society empirically and theoretically. The thesis therefore explores key theoretical concepts, that further the understanding of the emerging role of experts. The connection between theory an practice, and the state of knowledge as presented by theory of science is explored and the shape of a upcoming knowledge society is sketched. To find definitions and the broadest possible picture for the terms 'expert' and 'expertise' several theoretical perspectives are evaluated following an eclectic approach. As the task of the thesis is to find theoretical and empirical evidence a single case is studied in a process-tracing approach: The case of the German Hartz Commission working about the reform of the German labour market. The case was selected as it can be seen as paradigmatic, as this expert group played not only a decisive role in the German national election of 2002, but is ought to be a model for societal decision making for at least the next legislature period. Key findings of the thesis include that expertise can not only be used in a strategic or legitimising manner but also fosters dialogue between conflicting interest groups.