The Politics of Inequality
The cooperation between the Progressive Center and the University of Konstanz’s Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” aims to develop recommendations for decision-makers in business and politics on the basis of scientific findings on the question of how social inequality in Germany and Europe can be countered.
Social inequality – findings and recommendations for action
In cooperation with the Cluster of Excellence “Politics of Inequality” at the University of Konstanz, the Progressive Center has been publishing various policy papers since the beginning of the corona crisis. The focus is on three dimensions of inequality, which are also the main topics of the Cluster of Excellence:
- Perception of inequalities
- Collective mobilization along social cleavages
- Policy concepts for reducing inequalities.
Recent publications (2024)
How to foster public support for European climate policies. Evidence from the German population
Climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 cannot be achieved without significant changes in our economic and social structure – and not without broad social support for this transformation. This paper examines what kind of EU climate policy would meet with broad social approval and formulates corresponding recommendations.
2023
Germans significantly underestimate unequal distribution of income and wealth
Overall, significantly more people in Germany classify themselves as middle class than would be objectively justified. This underestimates the actual extent of inequality in Germany.
2021
When everyone thinks they’re middle-class: (Mis-) Perceptions of inequality and why they matter for social policy
In Germany, inequality is certainly seen as a problem, but its extent is underestimated in important aspects.
2020
Corona Crisis: Will Germany show solidarity? Yes, but…
The policy brief published in July 2020 examines to what extent and in what way Europeans are prepared to support each other during the coronavirus pandemic.
Working from home in the Coronavirus crisis: Towards a transformation of work environments?
In contrast to a group of “full believers” – one in four people could do without going to the office altogether – there are many who experience loneliness and social isolation as well as emotional exhaustion.
End the lockdown? Why restrictions are being lifted too fast for some and not fast enough for others
Those who call for the coronavirus restrictions to be eased often do so out of concern for society – or out of mistrust of the state.
Source of healing or bone of contention? Trust in the German healthcare system during the coronavirus crisis
The September 2020 paper examines citizens’ perceptions of the efficiency and fairness of the healthcare system and their trust in the healthcare system and the state.
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Our publications in the media
The results of the surveys were also discussed in the press. Among others, DER SPIEGEL wrote about solidarity in the coronavirus crisis, Süddeutsche Zeitung about employees working from home as well as loosening coronavirus regulations and Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland about trust in politics.
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