Alarming study: Germans demand new cohesion and dialogue!

Alarming study: Germans demand new cohesion and dialogue!

A current study by Initiative 18, Usethenews and Rheingold Salon shows an alarming picture of the mood in Germany. According to the investigation that Compact-online.de , 67% of the respondents feel left alone. The majority, more precisely 78%, also believe that Germany is on the wrong way. These results are part of a more comprehensive discussion about social cohesion in Germany, which, according to the Bertelsmann Foundation, has been examined for over ten years.

In a survey by the foundation, in which over 5,000 people were interviewed, the total index for social cohesion has dropped by nine points to 52 since 2017. This shows that the decline in all dimensions of the cohesion can be observed. The larger losses in the areas of solidarity and diversity, which have decreased by 14 and 13 points, are particularly worrying. In the study by the Bertelsmann Foundation, it is emphasized that the current crisis situation, including coronapandemic and the Ukraine secretary, has also significantly impaired social cohesion.

social participation and feeling of the citizens

The study shows that 85% of the respondents indicate that they and their families are doing well in the private environment, while the economic and political situation is predominantly negative. This discrepancy leads to a retreat to private. Only 10% believe that it can influence political decisions, while 50% consider this impossible. Despite this negative perception, a majority of 82% would be more confident if the company would have a combination against major challenges.

Another central result of the survey is the need for community cooperation: 65% of the respondents want to realize their own projects with others, and 45% are willing to get involved politically. This reflects the longing for community and constructive dialogue, which is becoming increasingly noticeable on the part of the population. At the same time, 84% recognize the importance of independent media for democracy, which indicates how important a trustworthy source of information is for social engagement.

digital participation and challenges

In the context of political participation, digital communication plays a crucial role. According to the Federal Center for Political Education are essential for political discourse And enable citizens to find out and participate. These digital options lower the hurdles for public debates and enable broader mobilization.

Nevertheless, there are also risks in digital communication, such as the spread of disinformation and hate speech. These challenges can lead to a digital gap, since older people and people with lower incomes when access and digital skills are disadvantaged. Political education should therefore promote digital participation and strengthen the media literacy of the citizens to counteract the negative trends.

Overall, the studies show a clear discrepancy between the private feel -good factors and the public feeling of the political situation. It becomes clear that despite a relative prosperity of the population, there is a deep dissatisfaction that can only be overcome through community commitment and improved and including communication channels.