European and global cultures and identities

 

In this context, cultures and identities are not referred to in an ontological sense – for instance, as predetermined forms of being – but rather as cultural constructions. They are studied at both individual and collective levels, in specific manifestations such as social roles, as well as in relation to categories such as nationality, ethnicity or religion. However, the focus is not only on the effects of these constructions but also on the media that have contributed to them. Among these, language and aesthetic communication play a key role. The corresponding research thus covers, for instance, the consequences of colonialism, exploitation and oppression (disadvantages due to categories of difference resulting from culturalist constructions), the transformation of political systems, and especially global challenges, which are currently being discussed in the contexts of climate, global justice, democracy and education.