Streit ums Politische 2026/27 »Die gekränkte Gesellschaft«

Heinz Bude and guests

As social beings, we compare ourselves to others. Through them, we gauge our position in the world: whether we earn a lot or a little, whether we are high or low status, whether we wield great or little influence. Such comparisons can spur us on, but they can also lead to despair. We could emerge as supreme, or as utterly insignificant. As social beings, we feel easily slighted. The question is, how do we cope with this sense of grievance? Our approach determines how we get along with one another, and who we blame for things going worse for us than our peers.

The »Streit ums Politische« discussion series has been held regularly at the Schaubühne since the 2011/12 season. At the beginning of each new season, we invite a guest to participate in a series of four discussions to address various aspects of a chosen topic. Heinz Bude is professor emeritus of macrosociology at the University of Kassel and founding director of the documenta Institut. His research focuses on shifts in social inequality and their significance for the self-givenness of contemporary societies. His recent publications include »Gesellschaft der Angst« (Society of Fear), »Das Gefühl der Welt. Über die Macht von Stimmungen« (The Feeling of the World: On the Power of Moods), »Solidarität. Die Zukunft einer großen Idee.« (Solidarity: The Future of a Great Idea) and »Abschied von den Boomern« (Farewell to the Boomers). In 2025, the trio of Bude, Munk and Wieland – who released »Aufprall« (Impact) in 2020 – published the novel »Transit 64«.

Supported by Hertie-Stiftung