The influence of geopolitical change on the well-being of a population: The Berlin Wall

Objectives. Social cohesion is recognized as a fundamental condition for he althy populations, but social cohesion itself arises from political unity. The history of the Berlin Wall provides a unique opportunity to examine the effects of partition on social cohesion and, by inference, on health. Methods. This ethnographic study consisted of examination of the territory formerly occupied by the Wall, formal and informal interviews with Berlin r esidents, and collection of cultural documents related to the Wall. Transcr ipts, field notes, and documents were examined by means of a keyword-m-cont ext analysis. Results. The separation of Berlin into 2 parts was a traumatic experience f or the city's residents. After partition, East and West Germany had diverge nt social, cultural, and political experiences and gradually grew apart. Conclusions. The demolition of the Wall-the symbol and the instrument of pa rtition-makes possible but does not ensure the reintegration of 2 populatio ns that were separated for 40 years. The evolution of a new common culture might be accelerated by active attempts at cultural and social exchange.