Alles Klasse? – Wie Status unser Leben ordnet | Sternstunde Philosophie | SRF Kultur

Today, while there's a lot of talk about racism and sexism, far too little about class. That's the opinion of philosopher Hanno Sauer. Olivia Röllin talks with him about status signals and those subtle distinctions that reveal so much about our class affiliation. Topics in this episode: 00:00 Why do we humans engage in an "arms race" with status signals? 17:42 The difference between status and class affiliation? 33:24 Is it possible to change class? 39:16 What are the counter-signals of the upper classes? 41:09 How does classism manifest itself as a form of discrimination? 53:25 Why is a classless society impossible? Almost everything we do sends a status signal. At least, that's what philosopher Hanno Sauer claims. Class isn't just an economic category; education, place of residence, networks, and taste also determine who is at the top and who is at the bottom. Even someone's pronunciation, posture, or seemingly banal gestures of politeness can reveal their place in the social hierarchy. This hierarchy is not a flaw of the system, but rather an inherent part of our human nature. Therefore, Sauer argues that modern societies cannot exist without class differences. For him, the question is not how to abolish classes, but how to live with social inequality and injustice, especially as class differences become increasingly significant. In conversation with Olivia Röllin, he explains why classism is perhaps the most overlooked form of discrimination, what happens when too many people wear a Rolex, and how even moral stances have become tools in the competition for status. Philosophy Hour from December 26, 2025 ____________________ ✨ New conversations with fascinating guests every week 💬 Do you have questions, suggestions, or feedback? Then write to us at: [email protected] Program Director: 🎥 Director: Lynn Zweidler, Editors: Yvonne Sjöberg, Jolanda Fazzone, Nina Weiss, Producer: Christine Schulthess, Head of Production: Judith Hardegger, SRF 2025 ____________________ Subscribe to SRF Kultur Sternstunden on YouTube 🔔 https://www.youtube.com/srfkultur?sub... More culture on SRF 👉 https://www.srf.ch/kultur ____________________ "Sternstunde Philosophie" fosters in-depth and critical exchange of ideas and delves into the pressing questions of our time. "Sternstunde Philosophie" spans a wide range, from current socio-political issues to fundamental philosophical questions: Who is responsible for what, what constitutes human freedom, and what determines the meaning of our lives? Our guests are prominent figures from science, culture, politics, and business – voices that stimulate thought and reflect on and contextualize current events. ____________________ Hosted by: Barbara Bleisch   / barbarableisch   Olivia Röllin   / oliviaroellin   Yves Bossart   / bossart_yves   Wolfram Eilenberger ____________________ #SRFKultur #SRFKulturSternstunden #SRFSternstunde #Philosophy #HannoSauer #Status #Inequality #Classism #SRF #Culture