New dynamics of social polarization in late modernity: conflicts beyond traditional cleavages

Mau, Steffen, Lux, Thomas, & Westheuser, Linus (2023). Triggerpunkte. Konsens und Konflikt in der Gegenwartsgesellschaft. Berlin: Suhrkamp Verlag. 532 oldal.

Abstract

This review presents the book Triggerpunkte by Steffen Mau, Thomas Lux, and Linus Westheuser, which offers a novel approach to the conflict dynamics of contemporary societies. The authors’ central argument is that social polarization does not manifest as a general condition but rather concentrates around specific, symbolically charged “trigger points.” Drawing on a robust empirical foundation and a mixed-methods approach, the book examines why certain issues, such as migration, climate policy, or gender debates, become particularly highly contested. The review analyzes the theoretical framework, methodological design, and scholarly contribution of the volume, while also addressing its broader international relevance. From a critical perspective, it highlights both the geographical and theoretical limitations of the work, while emphasizing its significance for contemporary research on polarization and social conflict.