Disconnected? Individualisation, Loneliness and Social Cohesion in Times of Transformation

Individual freedom is a core value of Western democracies: it ensures personal fulfilment, protects minorities, and fosters diversity. However, an excessive focus on maximizing personal benefits can weaken the sense of belonging. In times of profound upheaval, collective action is crucial for navigating processes of transformation. This raises the question of striking the right balance between personal fulfilment and social responsibility. Hyper-individualisation is just as much a symptom of eroding social cohesion as growing loneliness.

What connections exist between extreme individualisation, loneliness, and the intensification of polarisation, radicalisation, or social disintegration? How can we strengthen the common good to create sustainable foundations for future generations without restricting individual freedoms? What role can art and culture play in strengthening social bonds, creating new rooms for dialogue, and fostering cohesion in the long term?

Together with European cultural practitioners, experts, and representatives of civil society, we would like to initiate an interdisciplinary and participatory discussion on this topic in collaboration with the „Dialogues en humanité”, focusing on the exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge. To this end, we invite an interested audience to the Genshagen Castle Park for a public conference as part of our European series Academy Under Trees.

Partners: Dialogues en humanité

Supported by: Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb); Nemetschek Stiftung