In the workshop “At the expense of others?” we shed light on the modern, often invisible structures of exploitation that constitute an essential part of Middle European prosperity and well-being. To do so, we work with the concept of the Imperial Mode of Living which provides an explanatory approach to the contradictory observation: although there is increasing knowledge of the climate crisis and social inequality, both are coming to a head. How is this possible, and why does change take so long?

We explore these questions through the example of car mobility, outlined by the KAUZ-video on the Imperial Mode of Living. Through this video, we discuss the key elements of the concept. As a second step, we link the concept to our daily life experiences and ask the crucial question of how we are personally involved in the Imperial Mode of Living and how we can oppose it. The workshop consists of a mix of audiovisual input, discussion, reflection and group exercises.

The workshop can be conducted in person or online.

Workshop objectives

• offer a system-critical perspective on social and ecological problems by introducing the concept of the Imperial Mode of Living
• reflect and discuss one’s personal entanglements with the Imperial Mode of Living
• identify opportunities to oppose the Imperial Mode of Living

Target audience

The workshop is aimed at a broad audience without specific prior knowledge about the Imperial Mode of Living from the age of 16 up. More specifically, it addresses people who rather benefit from the Imperial Mode of Living and are willing to reflect one’s entanglement with it.

We live in a world full of contradictions: exploitation and solidarity often go hand in hand. The system we live in drives and stabilizes inequalities and makes it almost impossible for the individual not to live at the expense of others and the environment. We have learned to accept this as normal, thus preventing the development and establishment of a good life for all. However, there are diverse possibilities and realities of a just and solidary mode of living in the present. All these ambivalent processes are reflected in the physical space that surrounds us.

In this workshop, we use the method of collective critical mapping to question the standard, which we have accepted. We explore structures that foster exploitative behavior, as well as structures that support socially and environmentally sustainable living. By comparing these two perspectives, we can sharpen our perception to realize what is happening in our environment and tackle the crucial question: How can we create an environment, which fosters a sustainable future based on solidarity? We will explore the immediate surroundings of the venue and capture our observations on maps. We will apply collective mapping – a method used to collect observations as well as everyday experiences and discuss them in their context. Various social movements around the globe use this method to develop designs for a solidary mode of living.

This concept is only available as in-person format.

Workshop objectives

• discover spatially anchored structures that support or hinder a solidary mode of living
• discuss concrete opportunities for action towards a good life for all
• facilitate a fun, community-based learning experience through the creative method of collective mapping

Target audience

The workshop is aimed at a broad audience with no specific prior knowledge from the age of 16. The workshop concept is suitable for both existing and new groups. The ideal group size is between 10 and 18 participants.

Media reports, election posters and the demonstration signs of students regularly remind us that our mode of living is ecologically and socially unsustainable. In order for the economy to continue to grow, costs are outsourced and ecological livelihoods are exploited, as is underpaid and unpaid (care) work of women and migrants. But what would children learn in a society that puts care at its centre? Under what conditions would people age in such a society? And what would work that was oriented towards people’s needs rather than profit maximization look like?

In this workshop, we want to get to the bottom of the characteristics of a caring society, meaning a mode of living in which the needs of people and the environment are central. In a journey of thoughts, we explore individual and shared elements of solidarity-based futures. A short video will give some ideas about the concept of the Solidary Mode of Living according to the reflections of the I.L.A.-Collective. Finally, on the basis of concrete examples, we discuss different strategies to move closer to a caring society.

The workshop can be conducted in person or online.

Workshop objectives

• explore own and shared ideas of a Solidary Mode of Living with a particular focus on care
• get to know and discuss strategies for different initiatives and projects
• be encouraged to become more active towards creating change

Target audience

The workshop is aimed at a broad audience from the age of 16 up. No specific prior knowledge is required, just a willingness to engage with your own utopias and acknowledge differences and contradictions.

This workshop has been developed in collaboration with Kollektiv radix.

The climate crisis is inseparably linked to crucial social issues of the future. Yet, social justice and the environment are repeatedly pitted against each other – with both losing. The concept of “Just Transition”, initially developed by trade unions, states that the restructuring of the economy must be shaped democratically and not be carried out on the backs of employees and the socially disadvantaged.

Based on the example of the airline industry, we use this simulation game to show how such a transition could be designed. The participants take on different roles from politics, industry, trade unions and civil society and develop a joint position on the socially just deconstruction of an airport in several rounds of negotiations. A subsequent reflection on the game leads to a deeper understanding of the different positions and dynamics in the game.

Workshop Objectives

• experience the complexity of just transitions through different perspectives
• gain background knowledge on facts and actors related to the transition of the airline industry

Target audience

The workshop is aimed at a broad audience from the age of 16 up. No specific prior knowledge is assumed. The simulation is suitable for conveying starting points for a Just Transition both to people who are confronted with the topic in their actual work and those who have no previous experience. The ideal group size is between 12 and 18 people.

This workshop has been developed in collaboration with Stay Grounded.