This series of lectures examines the current state of social work in East Germany from the perspective of the discipline and the profession, with a focus on the specific history of social work in the GDR and during the period of transformation following 1989. Alongside lectures on the history of the welfare and education systems in the GDR, the event will present those approaches that did indeed exist in the margins of GDR society and which can be described as emancipatory alternatives. The following questions will guide the discussion:

Have there been social work projects and approaches since the 1990s that can be described as emancipatory and engaged in a critical examination of the – widespread – disciplining, authoritarian practices in various fields of action?

What do the thematic lines outlined here mean for the debate on far-right aspirations and mobilisations in eastern Germany?

The lecture series is open to all interested persons; university affiliation is not required. You can participate online or at the respective university locations.

Participation is free of charge.

Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr Josefine Heusinger)

Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr Christine Krüger, Prof. Dr Júlia Wéber)

BTU Cottbus; University of Tübingen (Prof. Dr Heike Radvan)

Dresden University of Education (Prof. Dr Stefania Maffeis)

Zittau-Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr Mandy Schulze)