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Inequality and Unemployment in Germany: Perception and Reality

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  2. Economics, Finance, Business & Management
  3. Journal of Contextual Economics – Schmollers Jahrbuch
  4. Vol. 141, Issue 1–2
  5. pp. 25–45

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Hüther, M., Niehues, J. Inequality and Unemployment in Germany: Perception and Reality. Journal of Contextual Economics – Schmollers Jahrbuch, 141(1–2), 25-45. https://doi.org/10.3790/schm.141.1-2.25
Hüther, Michael and Niehues, Judith "Inequality and Unemployment in Germany: Perception and Reality" Journal of Contextual Economics – Schmollers Jahrbuch 141.1–2, 2021, 25-45. https://doi.org/10.3790/schm.141.1-2.25
Hüther, Michael/Niehues, Judith (2021): Inequality and Unemployment in Germany: Perception and Reality, in: Journal of Contextual Economics – Schmollers Jahrbuch, vol. 141, iss. 1–2, 25-45, [online] https://doi.org/10.3790/schm.141.1-2.25
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Inequality and Unemployment in Germany: Perception and Reality

Hüther, Michael | Niehues, Judith

Journal of Contextual Economics – Schmollers Jahrbuch, Vol. 141 (2021), Iss. 1–2 : pp. 25–45

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Article Details

Publisher Name
Duncker & Humblot
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3790/schm.141.1-2.25
Language
English
Pages
21
Keywords

Author Details

Michael Hüther, German Economic Institute (IW), Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 21, Cologne 50668, Germany.

Judith Niehues, German Economic Institute (IW), Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 21, Cologne 50668, Germany.

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Abstract

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.

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Michael Hüther / Judith Niehues: Inequality and Unemployment in Germany: Perception and Reality 25
Abstract 25
1. Social Justice in the Modern World: Key Word and Political Power 25
2. Changes in Unemployment and Key Distributional Indicators 29
3. Perceptions of Inequality, Unemployment, and the Personal Situation 33
4. Subjective Views on Inequality, Redistributive Preferences, and Norms of Social Justice 25
5. What Drives Perceptions and What Is the Political Conclusion? 25
References 25

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