From the price scissor to the career ladder or the so-called elevator effect — the way we talk about society is rife with object metaphors. And yet these objects are also full of social relations themselves. They reveal facts about the balance of power and social belonging. Their meanings can shift over time or elude clear categorizations. And not least, they tell us about how society is divided into groups.
This exhibition focuses on precisely such “milieu things”. Various models of social structure analysis offer a theoretical framework for engaging with these things. Social differentiation processes are illustrated in the form of class pyramids, Dahrendorf houses, or potato models, and are thus related to milieu things. Classes, strata and lifestyles collide with dumbbells, socks, and truffle oil.
The exhibition encourages visitors to think about social inequality and mechanisms of distinction — and also to address classification itself.
We cordially invite you to the opening on 18 June 2025 at 19:00.
Drinks service “Luxus für alle” (“Luxury for All”) by Josephine Findeisen and music by PauleJr.
Reading and lecture series with Daniela Dröscher, Veronika Bachfischer and Christoph Gawenda, Ciani-Sophia Hoeder, Anke Stelling, Nora Sternfeld, Christian Baron, Marlen Hobrack, Jutta Allmendinger, moderation by Renate Flagmeier
