The structural change in Lusatia brought about by the coal phase-out is reawakening old fears: Young people who have to leave the region without job prospects, or who have no prospects and set fire to migrants' homes. The continued success of the AfD, particularly among younger age groups, suggests that educational work and anti-racism programs are largely failing to have the desired effect.
The project first analyzes the scientific findings and perspectives on the topic. This includes approaches via youth research, extremism and attitude research as well as social space research on the one hand and focuses on participatory action research and participation as an instrument of activating social research, especially among young people (Deppisch et al. 2019; Dünkel and Geng 2014; Decker and Brähler 2020; Glaser and Schuster 2007; Heitmeyer 2014; Luh et al. 2020; Wöhrer et al. 2016) on the other. The latter is available as processed knowledge and allows the transfer from the preceding SMWK project(participatory social research).
In addition, scientific findings are available on shrinking cities such as Hoyerswerda and rural, small and medium-sized towns in rural areas of eastern Saxony. From this, the research findings will be compiled in the form of a literature dossier and the connection between age, socio-spatial and political deprivation and proximity to the AfD or right-wing populist or extreme right-wing orientations will be processed. However, the current state of research suggests that it is scientifically difficult and controversial to present this correlation in a statistically reliable manner (Salomo 2019; Deppisch et al. 2019; Wenk 2005). A qualitative study helps to identify context-specific correlations.
The project is funded by the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism(SMWK).
This measure is co-financed with tax revenue on the basis of the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.
The card set "Mischen Possible - Kartenset zum (Über-) Leben in der Lausitz" was created as part of the project. It shows women who shape Lusatia with their commitment and inspiring places to recharge your batteries. The motifs can be viewed on the "F wie Kraft - Frauen.Leben.Lausitz" platform. The printed copies were raffled off to the public among members of the women's network.
The 6-part podcast series "Hoffnung und M/Wut" was produced as part of the research project:
What understanding do young women have of social participation? How do they want to participate in structural change? Jan Schilling, radio broadcaster and journalist, talks to women in Lusatia about their opportunities to shape and implement their ideas: politically, entrepreneurially and culturally. What does the region need and what does it offer to attract women as creators? Finally, Jan Schilling and project manager Julia Gabler reflect on the contributions and discuss whether women want a special or different form of social participation in Lusatia.
And now, open your ears and enjoy an insightful listening experience:
