Wednesday, December 8th, 2021
Optimism only among high earners
Inflation affects two out of three Germans
Despite the winter wave, more Germans are looking to the future with confidence again – especially in the higher social classes. On the other hand, many weaker people report that their economic situation has deteriorated in recent years. The greatest burden is sharply rising prices.
Despite the stress of the Corona crisis, optimism is growing among 30 to 59-year-olds in Germany. However, the gap between rich and poor is widening and the socially weaker are much more skeptical, as an Allensbach survey shows. According to this, a total of 37 percent of the 1,000 or more people surveyed are looking ahead with confidence. That is still far from the level before the virus pandemic, but significantly more than in 2020 with only 22 percent.
In the weaker social classes, only 17 percent are satisfied with their economic situation. Another 40 percent said their situation had deteriorated within five years. In the higher social classes, only eight percent report a worse situation, but 51 percent report a better situation.
Fourth corona wave hits “middle generation”
Overall, the corona crisis is leaving clear traces on the so-called “middle generation”. Materially, she usually got through the pandemic well. But 39 percent of people often felt stressed, compared to only 33 percent in the previous year.
As a result of the vaccinations, worries about getting personally infected with the virus have subsided. However, parents are very concerned that their children could be infected, as the survey for the Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) shows.
Rising inflation is having a noticeable impact on around two thirds of those surveyed. “The fourth corona wave hits the ‘middle generation’ just like politics unexpectedly in its enormous intensity,” explained Allensbach boss Renate Köcher. “The pandemic and the sharp rise in prices are a burden on people and are currently also drawing attention away from the major long-term challenges such as coping with climate change.”
Traffic light? skepticism
With a view to the future federal government made up of the SPD, Greens and FDP, the large majority of the middle generation has not yet recognized any optimism. Most of the respondents are skeptical about the modernization and digitization plans of the traffic light coalition.
The more than 35 million 30- to 59-year-olds in Germany are considered to be high performers in society because they work, raise children and finance the social security systems. According to the information, they represent 70 percent of the workforce and generate over 80 percent of taxable income.