Geography Department Seminar: Adorno on provinciality and the geography of the far right in Germany today

Abstract:

The work of Theodor W. Adorno is only beginning to be discovered in human geography. In the talk, I will discuss the way in which he uses the concept of “provinciality”. While “provinciality” is not a central concept in Adorno’s voluminous oeuvre, I argue that it can be put to good use to shed light on the geography of the far right in Germany today – in particular when it comes to the significantly higher electoral success of the far right party “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) in rural areas as opposed to urban ones. “Provinciality” simultaneously captures a) a way of thinking, that is b) determined by social relationships that c) can be found anywhere but are more likely in the countryside than in cities. By discussing provinciality, I also hope to provide an introduction into the thinking of Adorno.

Seminar Organizer: Prof. Tovi Fenster