Gerhard Schulze is a German sociologist, who published a study in 1992 with the title “Die Erlebnisgesellschaft” where he coined the term “Experience Society”. There is little published in English about Schulze’s work and he is primarily known in the German-speaking community. In his empirical study conducted in 1992 he describes five social environments that pertain to the 1980’s. Since his analysis, we have had several major historical and economic events such as the German reunification, 9/11 and the economic crisis that have influenced our perspective on society as a whole.
Schulze has added a commentary to his recent edition with the title: Übergang wohin? Kommentar im Jahre 2005 (Transition to where? Commentary in the year 2005). In this commentary Schulz provides a good transition to the current trends in our society and gives the book a needed update.
Further publications have also examined the experience factor, such as Joe Pine and James Gilmore, two American economists, who describe that consumers have gone beyond the stage of just having “the experience” and are looking more for a personal transformation.
Further publications have also examined the experience factor, such as Joe Pine and James Gilmore, two American economists, who describe that consumers have gone beyond the stage of just having “the experience” and are looking more for a personal transformation.
Which social environment described by Schulze (milieu) applies to you?
Sorry, nothing really applies to me and even a mixture makes no sense. My background is a typical of a US immigrant from the 80’s. I was born in Sydney, Australia from parents that migrated from Europe to the US via Australia. I am over 40, but nothing in particular seems to fit. The German social economic milieus were not written for US immigrants that now reside in Germany. If your background is German, I believe you might find a niche.
When Schulze describes “the compulsion to choose”. Can you see a pattern that applies to you?
Sorry, but I feel that the freedom to choose is a more appropriate approach.
What’s your lifestyle? It’s a Trans-Atlantic lifestyle. This lifestyle takes some of the attitudes from the US (positive and the can-do spirit) and combines them with the good habits from Germany and thus creating a lifestyle that I feel very comfortable with.
Conclusion: Life in Germany
“Everything is possible!” That’s my life’s slogan. Happiness and fulfillment comes from self-reflection and not from top salaries and experiencing many different highlights or going on exotic vacations. My parents always wanted me to have a better life than they had. This is probably a typical situation for immigrants that feel the need to offer their kids a better life in a new country. But, I have reached a level that my child will need to maintain. Sustainability is the new key word in today’s society. Can we maintain our world? Will the next generation be able to keep the same living standard and affluence? I feel that we need to be humble and see how good things are instead of always seeing the negative side of everything.
No comments:
Post a Comment