Field of work

Pelle’s research examines the structures and dynamics of civil society organizations, the nature of individual engagement within these organizations, and the societal roles and implications of such engagement—particularly in relation to the nexus between civil society and democratic governance.

His work has explored transnational collaborations among civil society organizations across national contexts, the tradition of popular education, the interface between the private sphere of the family and civil society, as well as patterns of interaction between civil society, the public sector, and market actors. In addition to questions of cross-sectoral collaboration, a significant part of his recent research has focused on civil society in rural and local contexts—investigating its functions and meanings beyond urban environments, within small local communities, and, more broadly, the importance of understanding the scope and roles of civil society at the local level, within municipalities, districts, and countrysides.

Pelle Åberg has taught and held responsibility for courses at all levels—from undergraduate to advanced and doctoral studies—at Marie Cederschiöld University, Södertörn University, and Lund University. His teaching has covered subjects such as public administration, civil society and social capital, transnational activism, democracy, the organization of the Swedish welfare state, organizational theory, among others. He has also been actively involved in thesis courses, serving as both supervisor and examiner at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in political science and social work, and he also currently supervises PhD students within the PhD program.

In addition, Pelle has developed and managed several commissioned education courses on and for civil society and served as a Director of studies of commissioned education from 2020 to 2025. Pedagogically, he strives to integrate research and practice in his teaching and actively employs interactive methods to foster participation and facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge among participants.

Pelle Åberg collaborates regularly with civil society organizations, government agencies, regional authorities, municipalities, and other stakeholders in different ways. He is frequently engaged as a lecturer, consultant, advisor, and researcher, and has both developed courses for organizations and conducted research efforts and evaluations aimed at addressing issues of relevance to various actors.