The New Appeal of Authoritarianism – Why People Are Once Again Craving Simple Truths

The lecture focuses on the question of how different forms of social disadvantage are interlinked and reinforce one another. Emilia Zenzile Roig is particularly concerned with the concept of intersectionality. It describes how, for example, discrimination based on gender, origin or social status can overlap. Consequently, people can be affected by several forms of disadvantage at the same time, which cannot simply be viewed in isolation from one another. Using specific examples, Roig will illustrate the links between patriarchy, racism and capitalism, and how these influence social power relations. The talk will also address why certain inequalities are often taken for granted and what options exist for breaking down entrenched patterns of thinking.

The political scientist has been working on social justice and structural discrimination for many years. Roig teaches at universities and speaks at events across Europe. She is part of an international network of people committed to bringing about social change. In her talks, she addresses topics including feminism, racism, power structures and personal responsibility. In Erfurt, she aims to encourage her audience to question their own perceptions and beliefs and to develop new perspectives on social injustice. The question of why social change meets with resistance and why simple explanations are becoming increasingly appealing in a complex world is also likely to feature. 

This will be followed in December by a lecture by the Austrian political scientist Natascha Strobl, and in January 2027, the political scientist and former WZB director Wolfgang Merkel will be our guest. Further details on these events will be available in good time in our events calendar.

All interested parties are warmly invited. Admission is free. However, please register in advance at www.thueringer-allgemeine.de/ringvorlesung.