Germany from the Outside: Rethinking German Cultural History in an Age of Displacement

The nation-state is a European invention of the 18th and 19th centuries, but what happens if we describe German culture and its history from the outside? Germany from the Outside explores new opportunities for understanding and shaping community at a time when many are questioning the ability of cultural practices to effect structural change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The nation-state, a European creation of the 18th and 19th centuries, holds a unique significance for the German nation, particularly in its association with a homogeneous German culture and a strong normative function. This invention has shaped the narratives of German culture and literature, often presenting them as the unfolding of a canon of works that represent core values essential to being "German." However, what happens when we approach German culture and history from the outside, viewing it as heterogeneous, shaped by diverse sources that may not be immediately associated with traditional notions of "Germanness"?

Germany from the Outside: Exploring New Perspectives on Migration, Displacement, Systemic Injustice, and Belonging delves into these critical questions, offering a fresh lens through which to understand and shape community in a time of profound uncertainty. Situated at the intersection of cultural, political, historical, and philosophical discourses, the essays in this volume contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of German Studies and the Humanities in a challenging era.

In the case of the German nation, the invention of the nation-state was closely linked to the idea of a unified and homogeneous German culture. This vision sought to establish a shared set of values, traditions, and language that would bind the diverse regions and populations of Germany together. However, this narrative of German cultural homogeneity has been challenged by recent developments, including migration, displacement, and the emergence of diverse cultural expressions.

Germany from the Outside explores these challenges by examining German culture and history from the outside. It encourages scholars to consider the ways in which external factors, such as global economic and political systems, have influenced German culture and society. The volume also highlights the contributions of non-German cultures and individuals to German history and culture, challenging the notion of a monolithic and exclusive German identity.

One of the key themes of Germany from the Outside is the concept of migration and displacement. The essays in this volume explore the experiences of migrants and refugees in Germany, shedding light on the challenges they face, the contributions they make, and the ways in which they shape German society. The volume also examines the policies and practices that govern migration and displacement in Germany, highlighting the need for more inclusive and humane approaches to addressing these issues.

Another theme is systemic injustice and inequality. The essays in this volume examine the ways in which systemic racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination manifest in German society and culture. They explore the impact of these injustices on individuals and communities, and the challenges faced by those who seek to challenge and dismantle these systems. The volume also highlights the contributions of activists and organizations working to promote social justice and equality in Germany.

Belonging is another critical theme explored in Germany from the Outside. The essays in this volume examine the experiences of individuals and communities who feel marginalized or excluded within German society. They explore the ways in which these individuals and communities seek to establish a sense of belonging and identity, and the challenges they face in doing so. The volume also highlights the contributions of cultural practices and institutions to promoting inclusivity and diversity in German society.

In conclusion, Germany from the Outside: Exploring New Perspectives on Migration, Displacement, Systemic Injustice, and Belonging is a timely and important contribution to the field of German Studies and the Humanities. The essays in this volume offer a fresh and nuanced understanding of German culture and history, challenging traditional narratives and promoting a more inclusive and diverse perspective. By examining German culture and history from the outside, scholars can gain a deeper appreciation of the complex and multifaceted nature of German society and culture, and contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of the Humanities in a rapidly changing world.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501375903