DE

Als Studentin des Eco-Social Design habe ich ein narratives Toolkit entwickelt, das mithilfe von Comics Klassismus im Bildungssystem thematisiert und bekämpft. In Deutschland beeinflusst der soziale Hintergrund eines Kindes nach wie vor maßgeblich dessen Bildungsweg. Mein Projekt eröffnet neue Perspektiven auf soziale Mobilität durch kollaboratives, visuelles Storytelling, das Individuen stärkt und strukturelle Vorurteile hinterfragt. Das Toolkit umfasst Bias-Checks, Unterrichtsmaterialien und eine digitale Plattform namens Klassenräume. In Co-Kreation mit Lehrkräften, Schülerinnen und NGOs entwickelt, fördert es Bewusstsein, Teilhabe und politische Veränderung. Comics dienen dabei als zugänglicher, emotionaler Einstieg, um Reflexion anzuregen und Schule als inklusiven Ort der Potenzialentfaltung statt der Auslese neu zu denken. Die langfristige Vision: ein Bildungssystem, das Fähigkeiten statt Herkunft in den Mittelpunkt stellt und aktiv daran arbeitet, klassistische Strukturen abzubauen.

EN

As an Eco-Social Design student, I developed a narrative-based toolkit using comics to tackle classism in education. In Germany, a child’s social background continues to influence their educational path significantly. This project reframes social mobility through collaborative, visual storytelling that empowers individuals and challenges structural bias. The toolkit includes bias checks, teaching materials, and a digital platform called Klassenräume. Co-designed with educators, students, and NGOs, it supports awareness, participation, and policy change. Comics serve as accessible, emotional entry points to spark reflection and reimagine schools as inclusive spaces of potential, not selection. The long-term vision: an education system that values ability over socioeconomic backgrounds and actively works to dismantle classist structures.

Why:
In Germany, education is closely tied to social background.
Studies show that children from non-academic families are less likely to pursue higher education, even when they have the same abilities as their peers. Unequal access to resources, networks, and opportunities creates systemic disadvantages that reinforce class barriers.

What:
This toolkit addresses classism by reframing the narrative of social mobility in education. It challenges the myth of meritocracy, showing classism as a systemic issue not a personal failure and advocates for true freedom of choice in education.

How: The toolkit targets three levels: individuals, multipliers, and society. It empowers individuals through workshops, mentoring, and bias checks; trains educators to recognize classism and apply fairer assessment criteria; and encourages policymakers to adopt reforms for equal access.

For whom: Classism harms individuals and the economy by wasting human talent and potential. Education systems benefit from reduced dropout rates and improved outcomes. A fair education system strengthens democracy and ensures diverse perspectives are available to tackle future challenges.

Impact: Educational partners are encouraged to value human potential and recognize privilege genuinely. A society fostering equal opportunities strengthens as it reduces social tensions and promotes inclusion. This is essential for innovation, social progress, and a resilient democracy.

Thesis