Fourth Individualization Symposium: New Paths for People and Animals!

Fourth Individualization Symposium: New Paths for People and Animals!

On March 19, 2025, Bielefeld University announces an important event: The fourth Individualization Symposium, organized by the Joint Institute for Individualization in a Changing Environment (JICE), the joint project InChangE and the Transregio Collaborative Research Center 212. This symposium will take place on March 25, 2025 at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) and is dedicated to a central topic: life transitions and their biological, psychological and social aspects for people and animals.

The symposium aims to show new perspectives on individualization. Professor Dr. Barbara Caspers, the director of JICE, highlights the constant change of individuals. A special highlight will be the lecture by Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz from Harvard University/UCLA, who analyzes emotional fluctuations and their evolutionary roots under the title “The Moody Animal: The Ancient Origins of ‘Ups and Downs’”.

Interdisciplinary exchange

Natterson-Horowitz will not only discuss the similarities between human and animal health problems, but also emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to research. Her research shows that the emotional systems of humans and animals share significant similarities. She will also discuss critical phases of life and their influence on mental health.

Another striking contribution comes from Professor Dr. Michael H. Goldstein from Cornell University, who addresses the development of communication in his lecture “From Birds to Words”. In addition, lectures by Professor Dr. Ingela Alger, Camilla Cenni, Ph.D., and Dr. Maria Moiron planned.
Dr. Bastian Mönkediek from Bielefeld University will investigate genetic and social factors over the life course, contributing to a comprehensive interdisciplinary exchange that aims to deepen the understanding of individualization.

Participation in the symposium is free, but registration is required. Anyone interested can contact Professor Dr. Contact Barbara Caspers on 0521 106-2194 or by email at barbara.caspers@uni-bielefeld.de. Further information and links to relevant websites and projects are available.

Social change and individualization

The context of the symposium is relevant to understanding social change triggered by modernization. The 19th century saw drastic changes in the advanced societies of Europe and the United States. Germany transformed from an agricultural country with 25 million inhabitants to an industrial country with 68 million by 1914. At the end of the 20th century, the population was around 81 million, including around seven million foreigners, as the country moved towards a service and information society.

This modernization is perceived as a permanent innovation that requires individualistic freedom as a prerequisite. Stefan Hradil identifies four guiding ideas of modernization: progressive thinking, individual freedom, secularization and rationality. A structural change occurred that not only changed the way of life, but also the mentality of the population.

The transition from agrarian to industrial society brought dramatic changes in the macrostructure. The withdrawal of the state from economic regulation since the 18th century and the growth of cities illustrate this change. Population numbers in major cities in Germany increased by 20 million between 1871 and 1939, while birth rates fell and life expectancy increased.

In the 1960s, Germany experienced a further change in values ​​towards independence and enjoyment of life. Political interest increased while acceptance of traditional values ​​decreased. Future value development could be influenced by globalization and vitality of social structures, while possible social selection is discussed.