Background Matters: An East German Perspective on Poverty and Economic Growth

How does our background shape the course of our lives? Why is poverty more than just a lack of money? And what can an East German life story reveal about social inequality throughout Germany?

In her keynote, Ramona Wuttig combines selected passages from her book "Aller Aufstieg ist schwer. Poor, East German, Working-Class Child—The Lie of Equal Opportunity" with personal experiences and sociological analyses. She recounts growing up in extreme poverty in a small village in Thuringia, feelings of shame, educational paths, and the often invisible hurdles to climbing the socioeconomic ladder. At the same time, she shows that her story is not an isolated case but rather a reflection of social structures that continue to shape opportunities and life paths to this day.

From an East German perspective, Ramona Wuttig examines questions that extend far beyond her own biography: Why does the notion of equal opportunity persist so stubbornly? Why do the experiences of people from families affected by poverty often remain invisible in public debates? And what does social mobility actually mean—beyond educational credentials and professional success?
The presentation is not a traditional author reading, but rather combines reading, scholarly analysis, and personal storytelling into a collective exploration of origins, social inequality, and social cohesion. During the discussion that follows, the audience is invited to ask questions, share their own experiences, and engage in conversation with one another.
Afterward, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the book "Aller Aufstieg ist schwer" at the book table. Ramona Wuttig will be happy to sign copies and is available for one-on-one conversations.