Traditions, home and family often appear to be central points of reference for identity formation, as studies in democracy research show. Many people strive to perceive and maintain their living environment as “normal”. From a socio-psychological perspective, questions arise about the significance of this search for normality in relationships, society and the environment, as well as the processes involved in its creation.

In order to explore the ideas surrounding the question “What is normal?”, Henriette Rodemerk looks at empirical findings from democracy research in her lecture and classifies them against the background of social lines of conflict. In this context, she also examines social inclusion and exclusion tendencies as well as anti-democratic potentials and discusses their effects on living together in a pluralistic democracy.