A new study by the University of Jena shows: Despite an equalization in the quality of life, one in five East Germans feels “left behind” – and this also influences their attitude towards populism and democracy.
According to one, it is important for the development of political attitudes new study from the University of Jena In addition to individual characteristics, the living environment is also crucial. Those who see their immediate surroundings and themselves as disadvantaged are more likely to feel “left behind,” is a central finding of the so-called Germany Monitor.
According to the study, this means: These people have the impression that politicians are not sufficiently interested in their region and are not committed enough to its economic development.
According to the study, many clichés are not confirmed. When it comes to assessing their quality of life, there is little difference between people in East and West, or people living in rural areas and those from the city. So people in rural areas don’t feel disadvantaged more often. In district regions that are developing well, people are less likely to feel “left behind” than in districts with poorer development.
One in five East Germans feels left behind
However, one in five East Germans feels “left behind”, while the figure for West Germans is only 8 percent. The feeling is not unique to East Germany. But apparently this feeling is more widespread in the eastern part of the country. According to the study, the reason for this is that there are proportionately more regions there that are severely affected by emigration and aging.
“This feeling should be taken seriously, because those who see themselves or their region as being left behind are more likely to have populist attitudes and are less satisfied with the functioning of democracy,” explained Jena political scientist Marion Reiser.
Dissatisfied with the functioning of democracy
The study also shows this: a large part of the German population is dissatisfied with democracy. As the Germany Monitor shows, more than half of the people in East Germany (56 percent) and in the West (40 percent) four out of ten respondents are dissatisfied with the functioning of democracy. In principle, the idea of democracy is supported by almost all respondents – 97 percent.
The Germany Monitor examines people’s attitudes towards politics every year. In 2023, around 4,000 people were surveyed in June, July and October.