Three-quarters of Berliners are in principle satisfied with democracy. About nine out of ten do not see dictatorship as a better form of state. This is evident from what was published on Wednesday’s Berlin Monitor for 2019. This represents, for the first time, a representative survey of the Berlin population regarding political culture and participation in the capital.
Scientists at the University of Leipzig and the Magdeburg High School conclude, however, that more than half of the population in Berlin have no faith in politicians. At the same time, 16 percent of respondents fully or partially agreed to the following sentence: “We need a leader (Führer) who will rule Germany with a strong hand.”
According to data provided by a Professor from Leipzig, Gert Pickle, one of the authors of the study, Berlin’s situation, given these values, is overall good compared to the other provincial countries. According to the argument, it is worth noting the willingness and experience of the Berliners when it comes to harnessing and intervening for civil society. Thus, 18 percent stated that they had already worked and collaborated on a civil initiative in the past, and 58 percent said they would. 42 percent have already participated in approved demonstrations, and another 39 percent have shown willingness to do so.
The majority talks about and experiences of discrimination
A big issue in Berlin, according to research, is discrimination. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they had already been discriminated against for various reasons. If this happens because of gender, then women are usually the victims, and if it happens for religious reasons – usually Muslims.
According to the study, only a minority of Berliners cultivates prejudices that relate to certain groups. 29 percent agree with the thesis: “The number of Muslims in Germany is too high.” And in the opposite direction, 77 percent are of the opinion that refugees must have always been welcome in Germany. There are also social prejudices: 27 percent believe that recipients of supplementary unemployment benefits (Hartz IV) enjoy life at the expense of others.
Antisemitism is not that common
In addition, the researchers in this study questioned the extent of antisemitism. The result: Less than in other parts of Germany, and it gets more pronounced, the more respondents are positioned to the right in the political spectrum of opinions. Still, 16 percent fully or partially agree with the thesis: “Even today, the influence of the Jews is too great.”
Another form of hatred of Jews, namely antisemitism hostile to Israel, can be found more commonly, according to the study, among Muslim Berliners and among those coming from immigrant backgrounds. For example, 55 percent of Berliners, without a full or partial German passport, claim that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is just as bad as Nazi policy during World War II. Even 42 percent of Berliners who have roots outside the borders of the state, as well as 35 percent of Berliners with no background in immigration – “openly” or “discreetly” agree to this.
“Fighting prejudice related to specific Groups”
According to Sen. Dirk Behrendt (the Greens), who is the officer in charge of the fight against discrimination, the survey results show “lights and shadows.” Following the recent antisemitic attacks in the capital, the poll results confirmed the Senate’s resolve not to let go of the fight against antisemitism. “At the same time, the hostile moods towards Islam and disrespect for the long-time unemployed are also showing that we need to become more widespread in the fight against prejudice against certain groups.
On the other hand, the great degree of political commitment and mobilization for civil society shows, according to the argument, that most Berliners are willing to defend democracy. In light of this, even though, inexplicably, there are problems – Berlin’s self-image as a tolerant and open city is never “completely wrong” though.
For the purpose of collecting the data, according to the data provided by the sciences, from March to the end of April, in total, 2005 Berliners aged 16 and over were asked in all quarters of Berlin [berlin-monitor.de, page 8]. The standardized questionnaire included, along with data on gender, age, education, income, religious affiliation and immigration background – also measuring instruments for documenting political and world views, explosive prejudice and experiences of discrimination – the report said. Respondents were selected in a two-stage verified procedure, which has been tested and verified in other surveys, including by random sampling.
Editorial Note: An earlier version of this publication states that three-quarters of Berliners are dissatisfied with democracy. That’s not true – the Berlin monitor suggested that around three-quarters are satisfied with democracy in principle, and the document appears in the link above. We corrected the mistake and apologized for it.
