Author Christopher Wimmer Shines Light on Germany's Marginalized in 'Living at the Bottom'
Author Christopher Wimmer explores the lives of marginalized individuals in Germany, as detailed in his book 'Living at the Bottom. Perspectives from the Edge of Society'. Wimmer interviewed a diverse group, including figures like Kieserling, Nordkreuz, and Keitel, to understand their struggles and resistance.
Wimmer's work contributes to a broader discourse on the underclass, influenced by authors such as Klaus Theweleit, Jana Hensel, and Jutta Ditfurth. While not directly mentioned, Wolfgang Streeck's analysis of the social market economy's crisis also adds to this discussion. The 'Fighting-Disgraced', like Karim Halabi, actively strive to improve their circumstances despite despair. Poverty, for Wimmer, is not a self-inflicted situation but a product of power dynamics. Helma Keitel, a 53-year-old unemployed woman, echoes this, stating 'Poverty determines my life'. Markus Nordkreuz, who moved from the DDR, resists social contempt by working despite injury. Wimmer's interviewees employ various forms of resistance to reclaim agency. Wimmer uses the term 'unemployment' to encompass 'black work', unpaid care, or volunteer work. Achim Ganz, among the 'quietly resigned', describes his daily routine as 'One gets up in the morning, one freshens up, one doesn't eat anything in the morning and reaches for the bottle of beer in the morning.'
Wimmer's book offers insights into the lives of Germany's marginalized, highlighting their resilience and the systemic issues they face. His work adds to the ongoing discourse on the underclass, driven by sociologists and social scientists. By presenting these perspectives without romanticizing their situations, Wimmer fosters understanding and empathy.
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