Our times are characterised by experiences of crisis, and social polarisation can be felt in everyday life. The harsh political conflicts of the present are the contradictory space in which young people are currently growing up.

"The spread and normalisation of extreme right-wing positions has increased significantly in German society in recent years. This development first became visible in the East, but can now no longer be denied in the West either," says Stephan Dorf, who is moderating the evening and currently teaches on the influence of the extreme right on social pedagogy/social work as a member of the social pedagogy department at the University of Wuppertal.

The AfD, which clearly represents extreme right-wing positions in the East, is the strongest party there in many places. In this respect, "the East" is ahead of "the West", Benjamin Bunk continues. "And yet 'the West' has hardly any idea what is actually happening 'over there' - or sometimes looks down on it." What's more, Bunk emphasises that an East-West divide that seemed to have been overcome is currently becoming relevant again. The youth researcher is currently teaching as a substitute professor at the School of Human and Social Sciences at the University of Wuppertal and is organising the event "Young people growing up in the East" together with his colleagues.

In order to talk not only about each other, but also with each other, the organisers want to create an opportunity for exchange and tell three local stories of young people growing up in the East. Annika Schulz, research assistant: "For better or for worse, and with all their wonderful contradictions. These stories concern us all. We look forward to listening to each other and to discussing them together." Anyone interested is cordially invited to come along. Registration is not required.

The programme: contributions and subsequent discussion

• "Right-wing jokes, village parties and empowering spaces" - Noa (studied social work, grew up somewhere between Leipzig and Chemnitz)
• "Emancipatory work between New Right space-taking, old neo-Nazi structures and a 'neutral' centre" - Tobias Burdukat (social worker & lecturer, lives in Grimma)
• "Criminal organisation or youthful growing up? An anecdotal tour through 'Jena Paradies'" - Benjamin Bunk (social pedagogy, youth research & one-world work, lives in Jena)
• Moderation: Stephan Dorf (social pedagogy, lives in Wuppertal)

Event: "Growing up in the East. Stories of right-wing land grabs", Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 4 to 6 p.m., AStA level (Building ME, Level 04)