Hartmut Rosa is a German sociologist and social theorist who developed the theory of resonance as a response to what he sees as the primary problems of modern society, particularly the phenomenon of social acceleration and alienation. The core concept of resonance describes a specific type of relationship between subject and world, characterized by:
- Affective concern (Affizierung) - being genuinely touched or moved by something
- Self-efficacy (Selbstwirksamkeit) - the feeling that one can effectively respond and make a difference
- Transformation - both parties in the relationship are changed through the interaction
Rosa argues that modern society suffers from a “crisis of resonance” due to:
- Constant acceleration of social life
- Increasing alienation from work, nature, and each other
- The drive to make everything controllable and available
He identifies several key spheres where resonance can occur:
- Social relationships (family, friendship)
- Material relationships (work, objects)
- Existential relationships (nature, art, religion)
The theory suggests that a good life isn’t about maximizing resources or experiences, but about developing stable “axes of resonance” - reliable relationships that allow for meaningful two-way interaction with the world.