Détente for the Social Environment Conflict?

Abstract

A radical shift in a sense of values has taken place in Germany during the last few years, as is well known. People have rediscovered a sense of themselves as an integral part of their natural and social environment. The threat of a loss of identity through the wilful destruction of traditional values was clearly felt and averted by large-scale efforts towards their preservation. Historical town centers were able to win back their old splendor, village wells were put in working order again, a sense of care and attention for nature set new guidelines for landscape planning. Museums, the theater, and art galleries are drawing crowds in undreamt-of numbers. Poetry in the dialect and local history research have become standard features in the study of literature and history. Church congresses have become manifestations of an unconditional religious faith which is only reluctantly able to accept the need for political compromises.