Journal Special Issues by Peter Itzen
Risikogesellschaften. Literatur- und geschichtswissenschaftliche Perspektiven, 2018
In Risikodebatten manifestiert sich die gesellschaftliche Auseinandersetzung mit dem Neuen, dem U... more In Risikodebatten manifestiert sich die gesellschaftliche Auseinandersetzung mit dem Neuen, dem Unbekannten, der Zukunft. Welche Praktiken, Artefakte oder auch natürlichen Prozesse eine Gesellschaft als riskant ansieht, erlaubt Rückschlüsse auf grundlegende Transformationsprozesse: Risikodiskurse wirken bei der Ausbildung staatlicher Institutionen, rechtlicher Verfahren und wissenschaftlicher Techniken mit und sind Gegenstand kultureller Selbstvergewisserung. In den Beiträgen dieses Bandes wird gezeigt: Die Analyse solcher Risikodiskurse mit literatur-und geschichtswissenschaftlichen Methoden verhilft dazu, jene Regeln aufzudecken, denen die Sichtbarmachung von Gefahren gehorcht, und sie legt offen, wer wann zu welchem Zweck Risikodebatten führt. Eva von Contzen (Dr. phil.), geb. 1984, ist Juniorprofessorin für Englische Literatur unter Einschluss des Mittelalters an der Universität Freiburg. Sie leitet ein ERC-gefördertes Projekt zu Listen und Aufzählungen in Literatur und Kultur. Tobias Huff (Dr. phil.), geb. 1980, ist Geschäftsführer des Fachbereichs 07-Geschichtsund Kulturwissenschaften der Universität Mainz. Der Historiker lehrt und forscht zu Fragen der Umwelt-und Wirtschaftsgeschichte.
Risks are of particular relevance for the social history of the twentieth century. On the one han... more Risks are of particular relevance for the social history of the twentieth century. On the one hand, Western societies’ economic growth gave impetus to the rise of new technologies. Technology, we argue, brought with it new possibilities, but it was also loaded with new risks. On the other hand, societies discussed and explored new notions of responsibility for risks, their management and mitigation. Both aspects changed the meaning and perception of traditional risks, such as natural catastrophes, sickness or falling into poverty. In this introduction, we explore the use of risk as a category of analysis for a social history of the twentieth century. In a form of double-intervention on time and methodology, we, on the one hand, hold risks as a phenomenon’ to be of particular relevance – even characteristic for – the twentieth century; on the other hand, we posit that risk as an analytical category offers us new avenues into understanding modern societies in three important ways: (1) the importance of time and future in human actions and debates, (2) the dual nature of risks as discursively constructed and simultaneously material, (3) the social justice implications of this dual nature that were often unequally shared, be it nationally or globally. In the end, we argue, by linking the materiality of challenges and risks with how these were perceived and discursively constructed, we are better able to understand the rules and the changes that underpin historical societies and which are – as our authors show in this HSR Special Issue – very often determined
in reaction to risks.
Papers by Peter Itzen
British Academy eBooks, Jan 11, 2021
For leaders of the Church of England, secularisation was such an obvious fact that it virtually b... more For leaders of the Church of England, secularisation was such an obvious fact that it virtually became a self-fulfilling prophecy as it informed political and theological debates within the Church. This article shows how by adjusting to secularisation the Church demonstrated a remarkable degree of resilience and managed to remain an important national voice – at least until the end of the Thatcher era. Three factors were of particular relevance in this development: First, the use of old networks which gave the Church of England privileged access to the political establishment. Second, the professionalisation of its political structure that equipped the Church with expertise. Third, complex changes within the Anglican theological strands that were opened up for political and social issues. These elements enabled the Church to develop new political agendas that were able to substitute political and moral positions that had become obsolete in the era of secularisation.
How does an open society affect the way an institution like the Church sees itself? How much infl... more How does an open society affect the way an institution like the Church sees itself? How much influence does a Church still wield in a modern and open society? These are the questions that are at the centre of the study “Streitbare Kirche” (“Combative Church”). It deals with the politics of the Church of England in the decades after the Second World War. Like in many other Western countries Christian belief in Britain declined in its importance after 1945. The Church nevertheless managed to adapt to the challenges of an increasingly secular society and influenced major political debates. In the 1980s the Church of England became even one of the most important opponents of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government.
Historical Social Research, 2016
»Risiko als Analysekategorie für eine Geschichte des 20. Jahrhunderts: Eine Einführung«. Risks ar... more »Risiko als Analysekategorie für eine Geschichte des 20. Jahrhunderts: Eine Einführung«. Risks are of particular relevance for the social history of the twentieth century. On the one hand, Western societies' economic growth gave impetus to the rise of new technologies. Technology, we argue, brought with it new possibilities, but it was also loaded with new risks. On the other hand, societies discussed and explored new notions of responsibility for risks, their management and mitigation. Both aspects changed the meaning and perception of traditional risks, such as natural catastrophes, sickness or falling into poverty. In this introduction, we explore the use of risk as a category of analysis for a social history of the twentieth century. In a form of double-intervention on time and methodology, we, on the one hand, hold risks as a 'phenomenon' to be of particular relevance-even characteristic for-the twentieth century; on the other hand, we posit that risk as an analytical category offers us new avenues into understanding modern societies in three important ways: (1) the importance of time and future in human actions and debates, (2) the dual nature of risks as discursively constructed and simultaneously material, (3) the social justice implications of this dual nature that were often unequally shared, be it nationally or globally. In the end, we argue, by linking the materiality of challenges and risks with how these were perceived and discursively constructed, we are better able to understand the rules and the changes that underpin historical societies and which areas our authors show in this HSR Special Issue-very often determined in reaction to risks.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Dec 1, 2017
Seit 1950 sind mehr als 778.000 Menschen auf deutschen Strasen gestorben und mehr als 31 Millione... more Seit 1950 sind mehr als 778.000 Menschen auf deutschen Strasen gestorben und mehr als 31 Millionen Menschen verletzt worden (in der Bundesrepublik und der DDR zusammen). In anderen Industriestaaten liegen die Zahlen der Opfer von Verkehrsunfallen in vergleichbarer Hohe, in den Schwellenlandern steigen sie angesichts einer zunehmenden Mobilitat weiter. Wie lasst sich erklaren, dass eine moderne Gesellschaft wie die deutsche des 20. Jahrhunderts bereit war, diesen Blutzoll zu zahlen? Die Frage weist uber sich selbst hinaus, denn sie macht auf ein zentrales Problem der Epoche der Industriemoderne aufmerksam: Seit der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts entstanden neue, von industriellen Produktionsweisen gepragte Technologien, die die Lebensgewohnheiten tiefgreifend veranderten und mit denen sich Hoffnungen einer uberaus fortschrittlichen Zeit verbanden.
Historical Social Research, 2016
Risiko als Analysekategorie für eine Geschichte des 20. Jahrhunderts: Eine Einführung«. Risks are... more Risiko als Analysekategorie für eine Geschichte des 20. Jahrhunderts: Eine Einführung«. Risks are of particular relevance for the social history of the twentieth century. On the one hand, Western societies' economic growth gave impetus to the rise of new technologies. Technology, we argue, brought with it new possibilities, but it was also loaded with new risks. On the other hand, societies discussed and explored new notions of responsibility for risks, their management and mitigation. Both aspects changed the meaning and perception of traditional risks, such as natural catastrophes, sickness or falling into poverty. In this introduction, we explore the use of risk as a category of analysis for a social history of the twentieth century. In a form of double-intervention on time and methodology, we, on the one hand, hold risks as a 'phenomenon' to be of particular relevance -even characteristic for -the twentieth century; on the other hand, we posit that risk as an analytical category offers us new avenues into understanding modern societies in three important ways: (1) the importance of time and future in human actions and debates, (2) the dual nature of risks as discursively constructed and simultaneously material, (3) the social justice implications of this dual nature that were often unequally shared, be it nationally or globally. In the end, we argue, by linking the materiality of challenges and risks with how these were perceived and discursively constructed, we are better able to understand the rules and the changes that underpin historical societies and which are -as our authors show in this HSR Special Issue -very often determined in reaction to risks.
Defending the Faith, 2021
For leaders of the Church of England, secularisation was such an obvious fact that it virtually b... more For leaders of the Church of England, secularisation was such an obvious fact that it virtually became a self-fulfilling prophecy as it informed political and theological debates within the Church. This article shows how by adjusting to secularisation the Church demonstrated a remarkable degree of resilience and managed to remain an important national voice – at least until the end of the Thatcher era. Three factors were of particular relevance in this development: First, the use of old networks which gave the Church of England privileged access to the political establishment. Second, the professionalisation of its political structure that equipped the Church with expertise. Third, complex changes within the Anglican theological strands that were opened up for political and social issues. These elements enabled the Church to develop new political agendas that were able to substitute political and moral positions that had become obsolete in the era of secularisation.
Risikogesellschaften, 2018
Public Health Forum, 2018
Zusammenfassung Der Beitrag verknupft die Entwicklung der Zahl der Verkehrstoten in Deutschland m... more Zusammenfassung Der Beitrag verknupft die Entwicklung der Zahl der Verkehrstoten in Deutschland mit seinem kultur- und sozialgeschichtlichen Kontext. Dabei wird deutlich, dass zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts und nach Ende des Zweiten Weltkrieges eine kritische Debatte uber das Automobil angesichts der mit ihm verbundenen positiven Vorstellungen erschwert war und erst durch einen erhöhten Stellenwert von Umwelt- und Gesundheitsthemen möglich wurde.
Historical Social Research, 2016
Wer ist im Winter verantwortlich? Verkehrsunfälle, der Kampf gegen gefährliches Wetter und die Ro... more Wer ist im Winter verantwortlich? Verkehrsunfälle, der Kampf gegen gefährliches Wetter und die Rolle des Rechts in der Risikogeschichte«. This paper analyses the role of law in modern risk debates. Inspired by concepts of historical anthropology, it proposes to put more effort into the historical analysis of law and legal debates in order to understand long-term change in the history of everyday life. The paper takes the discussions on the establishment of a winter service in Germany in the first decades of the twentieth century as an example for this, and demonstrates how legal experts reflected changed perceptions of both nature and related everyday risks and gave them a practical legal meaning by integrating them into existing and widely accepted legal concepts. By doing so, the legal discourse on hazardous weather conditions added significantly to the paradigm shift towards a greater role of the state in the mitigation of everyday risks. As in other debates on everyday risks, law functioned as a hinge between risk perception and risk management.
The Politics of De‐Industrialisation: Industrial Regions, Political Allegiances and Electoral Systems in West Germany and the United Kingdom, in: Peter Itzen/Christian Müller, The Invention of Industrial Pasts Heritage, political culture and economic debates in Great Britain and Germany, 1850–2010, 2013
From the conclusion: This essay does not intend to make moral judgements about the advantages and... more From the conclusion: This essay does not intend to make moral judgements about the advantages and drawbacks of various constitutionalframeworks. Rather, its intention is to show how they facilitated orimpeded political actions, programmes and strategies. The British constitution presented the Conservative government with the opportunity to push through sweeping changes that were unthinkable under the German constitutional and electoral constellation. As a consequence, adapting to the problems and phenomena of de-industrialisation took much longer in Germany and produced very different results. German governments had to take account of the political and social priorities of the industrial regions. Compared with the Thatcherite Conservatives of the 1980s, the Christian Democratic Union was a party with rather moderate economic reform proposals. Yet, even if the Kohl government had wanted to pursue a more radical approach, this policy would have had to overcome enormous political resistance. German federalism and the proportional voting system made it extremely difficult to push through rapid changes. [...] Unlike the German Basic Law, however, the British constitution provided a technical framework which allowed for radical reforms - even if that put enormous strain on the old industrial regions and the people living there.
Das Werk und seine Teile sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Jede Verwertung in anderen als den gesetzlich zulässigen Fällen bedarf deshalb der vorherigen schriftlichen Einwilligung des Verlags.
Proceedings of the British Academy, 2020
For leaders of the Church of England, secularisation was such an obvious fact that it virtually b... more For leaders of the Church of England, secularisation was such an obvious fact that it virtually became a self-fulfilling prophecy as it informed political and theological debates within the Church. This article shows how by adjusting to secularisation the Church demonstrated a remarkable degree of resilience and managed to remain an important national voice – at least until the end of the Thatcher era. Three factors were of particular relevance in this development: First, the use of old networks which gave the Church of England privileged access to the political establishment. Second, the professionalisation of its political structure that equipped the Church with expertise. Third, complex changes within the Anglican theological strands that were opened up for political and social issues. These elements enabled the Church to develop new political agendas that were able to substitute political and moral positions that had become obsolete in the era of secularisation.
Seit 1950 sind mehr als 778.000 Menschen auf deutschen Straßen gestorben und mehr als 31 Millione... more Seit 1950 sind mehr als 778.000 Menschen auf deutschen Straßen gestorben und mehr als 31 Millionen Menschen verletzt worden (in der Bundesrepublik und der DDR zusammen). 1 In anderen Industriestaaten liegen die Zahlen der Opfer von Verkehrsunfällen in vergleichbarer Höhe, in den Schwellenländern steigen sie angesichts einer zunehmenden Mobilität weiter. 2 Wie lässt sich erklären, dass eine moderne Gesellschaft wie die deutsche des 20. Jahrhunderts bereit war, diesen Blutzoll zu zahlen? Die Frage weist über sich selbst hinaus, denn sie macht auf ein zentrales Problem der Epoche der Industriemoderne aufmerksam: Seit der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts entstanden neue, von industriellen Produktionsweisen geprägte Technologien, die die Lebensgewohnheiten tiefgreifend veränderten und mit denen sich Hoffnungen einer überaus fortschrittlichen Zeit verbanden. Beide Dimensionen, sowohl die neue Materialität einer durch die Industrialisierung verwandelten Gesellschaft als auch die daran geknüpften Sinnzuschreibungen, gehören zu den Kennzeichen einer Industriemoderne, die im letzten Drittel des 19. Jahrhunderts entstand und deren Ende sich erst in den späten 1960er-Jahren ankündigte. Das Automobil schien das Sinnbild dieser Ära zu sein.
This paper analyses the role of law in modern risk debates. Inspired by concepts of historical a... more This paper analyses the role of law in modern risk debates. Inspired by concepts of historical anthropology, it proposes to put more effort into the historical analysis of law and legal debates in order to understand long-term change in the history of everyday life. The paper takes the discussions on the establishment of a winter service in Germany in the first decades of the twentieth century as an example for this, and demonstrates how legal experts reflected changed perceptions of both nature and related everyday risks and gave them a practical legal meaning by integrating them into existing and widely accepted legal concepts. By doing so, the legal discourse on hazardous weather conditions added significantly to the paradigm shift towards a greater role of the state in the mitigation of everyday risks. As in other debates on everyday risks, law functioned as a hinge between risk perception and risk management
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Journal Special Issues by Peter Itzen
in reaction to risks.
Papers by Peter Itzen
Das Werk und seine Teile sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Jede Verwertung in anderen als den gesetzlich zulässigen Fällen bedarf deshalb der vorherigen schriftlichen Einwilligung des Verlags.
in reaction to risks.
Das Werk und seine Teile sind urheberrechtlich geschützt. Jede Verwertung in anderen als den gesetzlich zulässigen Fällen bedarf deshalb der vorherigen schriftlichen Einwilligung des Verlags.
Like in many other Western countries Christian belief in Britain declined in its importance after 1945. The Church nevertheless managed to adapt to the challenges of an increasingly secular society and influenced major political debates. In the 1980s the Church of England became even one of the most important opponents of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government.