/
Events
/
Lectures

This work by Filip Dobranič, Husnija Kamberović, Marcela Hennlichova, Aleš Gabrič, Bojan Godeša, Dragan Markovina is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
CONTINUITY AND DISCONTINUITY OF THE CULTURAL STRUGGLE
The term “cultural struggle” refers to conflicts between different ideological, value-based, and
cultural perspectives within society. In the European and Slovenian context, this term encapsulates a long-standing historical conflict, intertwining political, religious, ideological, and cultural dimensions.
The cultural struggle in Europe, including Slovenia, originates from religious tensions, such as the Reformation and Counter-Reformation in the 16th century. This conflict continued through the process of secularization, during which states gradually distanced themselves from the church’s influence in political life. Secularization, which gained momentum during the Enlightenment, created tensions between traditional (religious) and progressive (secular) forces. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the cultural struggle also took on national dimensions, as various nationalisms competed for dominance.
European integration triggered new cultural conflicts related to issues of sovereignty, migrations,
and multiculturalism. Today, the debate about so-called “traditional values” takes center stage,
with some arguing that Europe can only remain Christian or else it will collapse. Additionally, the idea of “cultural Marxism” is spreading, which some present as a deliberate effort to undermine Western society by altering its cultural norms. Such rhetoric often perceives secularization, political correctness, and moral relativism as threats.
In Slovenia, a significant part of the cultural struggle still pertains to the events of the Second
World War, especially questions of communism and anti-communism, collaboration, and resistance. It also touches on modernization and the rights that the national liberation struggle
gradually implemented in the post-war decades – from a secular society to abortion and minority rights. Today, old themes intersect with current affairs of migrations, globalization, the role of public media, and hate speech. The cultural struggle is not only fought on the political stage and in the media but also on social media, which have become new arenas for conflict.
Udeleženci / Participants: Filip Dobranič, Husnija Kamberović, Marcela Hennlichova, Aleš Gabrič (moderator), Bojan Godeša in Dragan Markovina
Snemanje, montaža, režija / Filming, editing, directing: Bojan Balkovec