Lesung: „Mutti, komma ans Fenster!“ – Eine Arbeiterkindheit im Ruhrgebiet

With “‘Mom, Come to the Window!’—A Working-Class Childhood in the Ruhr Region,” Ulrich Schneider, Germany’s best-known social lobbyist, has published an unusual book.

Schneider, who was born and raised in Oberhausen, originally intended to write down his very personal memories of his childhood in the Ruhr region. The result is a piece on the social history of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Schneider recounts with warmth and wit the story of his family, his neighborhood, and the environment in which he grew up. He combines this with a critical examination of West German social and education policy—then and now.

What actually defines a working-class childhood? What about the promise of social mobility, education, and the welfare state? What cultural and social barriers existed back then—and still exist today—that need to be overcome?

The book explores class consciousness, solidarity, and pride, but also the divides between workers, white-collar employees, and academics; the narratives of social mobility and prosperity; and, above all, the ongoing social decline of people—a reality he has never been able to accept.

To mark the book’s release, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation NRW invites you to a reading with Ulrich Schneider. Helen Klee will moderate the discussion with the author and the audience.

Free admission. Pleaseregister by email at: post@rls-nrw.de

About the Author:
Ulrich Schneider (b. 1958) is an author and communications strategist at GKS Consult – Gesellschaft für Kommunikation & Soziales. Prior to that, he served as chief executive officer of the Paritätischer Gesamtverband for 25 years.