Data for the time before the corona pandemic reveal a largely positive picture of the economic and social development in Germany. Most individuals perceived their own situation as very positive, but their views on society are rather pessimistic and overly critical.
Perception and Reality: Inequality and Unemployment in Germany
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW)
Data for the time before the corona pandemic reveal a largely positive picture of the economic and social development in Germany. Most individuals perceived their own situation as very positive, but their views on society are rather pessimistic and overly critical.
Contrasting abstract redistributive preferences with prevailing norms of justice reveals further inconsistencies. Thus, it is increasingly unlikely that policymakers can adequately address the concerns and wishes of the population. The pronounced discrepancy between empirical findings on distributional aspects and citizens’ perceptions constitutes a veritable problem for democratic processes. That is because this discrepancy is the basis for mistrust between citizens (principals) and politics (agents). Therefore, it becomes increasingly important that politicians explain the logic of their actions in an understandable way. An important prerequisite for more communicable politics is a comprehensive infrastructure for research data that enables politicians, the media, and the public to make valid assessments.
Perception and Reality: Inequality and Unemployment in Germany
Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft (IW)
Wer im Alter arbeitet, ist zufriedener
IW-Expertin für soziale Sicherung und Verteilung, Ruth Maria Schüler, geht in einem Gastbeitrag für die Fuldaer Zeitung der Frage nach, warum der frühe Ausstieg aus dem Erwerbsleben kein Garant für das Lebensglück ist.
IW
Inflation: Rentner nicht stärker betroffen als andere Haushalte
Die Kaufkraft von Rentnern der Gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung sank in den vergangenen Jahren nicht stärker als bei anderen Haushalten. Während die Coronapandemie Rentner nicht so stark getroffen hat, führten die Preissteigerungen spätestens seit 2022 zu ...
IW