Life in the Age of the Permanent Crisis

Description

Pandemic, war, inflation, climate crisis, digital overload, geopolitical tensions – many people experience the present as a time of constant uncertainty. The feeling that one crisis follows another increasingly shapes everyday life, politics, and societal mood. At the same time, many fear losing control and an unpredictable future. The course addresses the question of why modern societies are often perceived as particularly crisis-ridden today. Have crises actually increased – or is it mainly our perception that is changing due to constant digital information streams? Why do social media and news cycles often create a feeling of perpetual alertness? And why do people react to uncertainty increasingly with withdrawal, anger, or polarization? On the first evening, the course analyzes the major crisis experiences of recent years: pandemic, Ukraine war, inflation, energy crisis, global shifts in power, and digital overload. It also examines how media, politics, and social networks can amplify or emotionalize crisis feelings. The second evening is dedicated to societal consequences: fear, exhaustion, loss of trust, and political polarization. Why do many people today long more for security, orientation, and simple answers? What psychological and societal mechanisms operate in times of constant uncertainty? And how can societal stability still be maintained under conditions of ongoing crises? Course leader: Dr. phil. Gunnar Henrich studied Political Science and History in Freiburg im Breisgau and the People's Republic of China, and earned his doctorate at the University of Bonn under Professor Xuewu Gu on Chinese Africa policy.

Highlights

• Analysis of the crisis experiences of recent years
• Discussion of societal consequences such as fear and polarization
• Venue: Volkshochschule Region Solothurn

General Information

The course "Life in the Age of the Permanent Crisis" deals with the perception of crises in modern society. It sheds light on the causes and effects of uncertainty and analyzes how media and social networks amplify the feeling of alertness.

Location

Baslerstrasse 30a, 4600 Olten, Switzerland

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