They say growing older is mandatory, while growing up is optional. Young people these days seem to opt for long periods of dependence upon the money, bed and board of their parents. Adults tend to divest youngsters of various responsibilities by taking care of as many aspects of their lives as possible, thus depriving them of the opportunity to develop a mature mindset. Allan Guggenbühl, psychotherapist and professor at the Zurich University of Teacher Education, investigates whether young people should be given direct responsibilities to develop a sense of being in charge. He suggests that society, schools, and education should help the next generation assume responsibility through practical learning and hands-on experiences.

To some, the socialisation of young people has become increasingly reliant on therapeutic techniques that frame their everyday existential problems as mental health issues. This fosters a climate where many young people struggle to acquire the habit of independence and transition to autonomy. Guggenbühl emphasises the importance of assuming responsibility. In an Evening With Allan Guggenbühl, we explore the importance of using reason and growing up  in the context of the socialisation of young people.

Allan Guggenbühl is a psychotherapist and a professor at the Zurich University of Teacher Education. A Swiss social scientist and author, he was born in 1946 and studied psychology, sociology, and anthropology at the University of Zurich. After earning his doctorate, he worked as a researcher and lecturer in various countries, including Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. Guggenbühl has published numerous books on various topics, including aggression, violence, masculinity, and psychotherapy. His work is characterised by a critical approach to conventional wisdom, a willingness to challenge established ideas, and a focus on the relationship between the individual and society. Guggenbühl’s work has been influential in psychology and sociology and widely discussed and debated in academic and popular circles. He continues writing and lecturing on various topics of human behaviour and social dynamics.

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