Study Profile

The dominant economic system has not only led to a historically unique level of social wealth but is also accompanied by numerous negative environmental and social consequences. Mass consumption as well as the steadily growing need for resources and energy are major drivers of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and several other socio-ecological crises. The consequences of global warming and an increase in environmental pollution are not only felt in the global North. They are particularly affecting societies in the global South which have, in fact, contributed the least to these damaging developments. In other words: we live not only above our means, but also above the means of others. At the same time, social inequality is increasing not only at the global level but also within individual societies. It is becoming progressively clear that the economic system and lifestyle of societies located in the global North, which have become the blueprint, are not sustainable. In a deep multi-faceted crisis, society in general is becoming economically, ecologically, socially and politically pressured.

Against this background, the question is not whether a transformation of modern societies will take place but rather whether this change is predominantly enforced by circumstance or if it can be formulated within the framework of certain civilizing standards. In short: whether transformation takes place "by design or by disaster". But how is it possible to transform modern societies in a selective way? Certainly, such a complex process of transformation requires far more than just technological change. It needs a redefinition of our economic, institutional and cultural standards.

The Norbert Elias Center of the Europa-Universität Flensburg and the MA program "Transformation Studies" in particular, looks at the motivators for social change through a sustainability lens by conducting research which is both theory-driven and practically oriented.