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Perceived Exclusion and the Rise of Opposition: Navigating Social Change

A commentary on “Stefan Holubek-Schaum, Natalie Grimm & Patrick Sachweh (3. Juli 2024). Anschluss verpasst? Über das Gefühl, zurückgelassen worden zu sein“.

In an era of rapid economic and cultural changes, many segments of the population are experiencing a perceived loss of social status. This sense of loss goes beyond economic hardship, intertwining with a broader feeling of marginalisation and alienation from the dominant values and norms of contemporary society. This perception lays the foundation for the formation of collective identities that resist change, often rooted in opposition to ongoing societal transformations. Central to this process is the idea that social change poses a threat. When economic shifts—such as globalisation and digitalisation—disadvantage certain groups, the response often comes in the form of increased internal cohesion among those who share experiences of marginalisation. These groups frequently develop a shared narrative, framing their collective loss as a crucial part of their identity. This dynamic is visible in many contemporary contexts, where marginalised social groups unite around common experiences of exclusion and resistance. Importantly, this resistance is not a passive reaction but an active act of identity formation. These collective identities are shaped by shared experiences of both economic disadvantage and cultural alienation.

Shared Experiences of Marginalisation and Oppositional Narratives

One of the key aspects of these processes is how shared experiences of marginalisation provide fertile ground for the development of oppositional narratives. These narratives do not merely respond to feelings of discomfort but offer a structure through which people interpret their place in the world. Social change, perceived as a threat to both economic and cultural stability, serves as a catalyst for constructing a collective identity based on opposition. Individuals who feel excluded from the dominant social system and its values find in these narratives a way to understand their condition. Often, the past is idealised and contrasted with a present that is seen as uncertain and fragmented. The resulting opposition is not just a reaction to perceived loss but also an attempt to reaffirm a collective identity seen as under threat.

To fully grasp this phenomenon, it is important to consider how economic and cultural dimensions intertwine in the construction of collective identities. Economic marginalisation—manifesting as job insecurity or growing inequality—is often accompanied by a sense of cultural alienation. It is not merely a loss of economic security but also a disintegration of cultural reference points that were once considered stable. This dual dynamic of marginalisation, encompassing both economic and cultural elements, is crucial in understanding the collective identities that emerge in opposition to change. People see themselves not only as economically disadvantaged but also as carriers of a cultural identity they feel is under siege. The intertwining of these two dimensions produces resistance to change, expressed through the formation of communities built on shared values and symbols.

In conclusion, the perception of social status loss, shaped by both economic and cultural dynamics, profoundly impacts the formation of collective identities in contemporary society. Marginalisation, whether real or perceived, generates not only insecurity and discomfort but also serves as a catalyst for narratives that actively resist change. Understanding these dynamics is key to analysing the tensions that arise in an increasingly globalised world, where status loss and resistance to change remain central topics in public discourse.

Conclusions: Resistance to Change in Contemporary Society

The article “Anschluss verpasst? Über das Gefühl, zurückgelassen worden zu sein” by Holubek-Schaum, Grimm, and Sachweh, presented below, explores the social and cultural dynamics of groups that feel they have “missed the boat” on economic and cultural changes. These individuals often form communities around shared experiences, finding comfort in groups that share their frustrations and fears. This is particularly evident in far-right political movements, which attract individuals seeking security and stability in a society they perceive as threatened or alienated.

This research is part of a larger project conducted by the Research Institute for Social Cohesion (Forschungsinstitut Gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt, FGZ), which comprises eleven research institutions across Germany. The FGZ aims to study social cohesion from various disciplinary perspectives, focusing on the factors that contribute to or hinder it in contemporary societies.

The study presented in the article offers valuable insights into the complex nature of feeling ‘left behind’ in contemporary society. It identifies three distinct patterns of experiencing this sentiment: threatened normality, united in rebellion, and settling on the margins. These patterns reveal that feeling left behind is not a monolithic experience; rather, it varies based on individual circumstances and perceptions. Highlighting the interplay between economic and cultural factors, the research challenges the notion that feeling left behind is solely an economic issue. This multifaceted approach provides a more nuanced understanding of social status and its impact on political attitudes.

Findings from the study have significant implications for social cohesion. Addressing the ‘left behind’ phenomenon requires a comprehensive approach that considers both economic and cultural dimensions.

To read the full article see: Stefan Holubek-Schaum, Natalie Grimm & Patrick Sachweh (3. Juli 2024). Anschluss verpasst? Über das Gefühl, zurückgelassen worden zu sein. Zusammenhalt begreifen. Abgerufen am 7. Oktober 2024 von https://doi.org/10.58079/11xi4


OpenEdition schlägt Ihnen vor, diesen Beitrag wie folgt zu zitieren:
Massimiliano Livi (7. Oktober 2024). Perceived Exclusion and the Rise of Opposition: Navigating Social Change. TrIBES. Abgerufen am 9. Februar 2025 von https://doi.org/10.58079/12fif


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