According to a survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute on behalf of the Stiftung Familienunternehmen and reported by the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, many Germans perceive the economic conditions in Germany, in terms of what people own and what they earn, as unfair. The survey results indicate that 55% of respondents do not consider the economic conditions as just, while only 19% view them as fair.
There are significant differences between East and West Germany in terms of perceptions of economic fairness. In the East, only 9% of respondents consider the conditions as just, compared to 21% in the West. When it comes to assessing their own situation, the survey suggests that almost two-thirds (47%) view their economic conditions as fair, while 30% feel they are unfair.
Regarding the understanding of justice, 91% of respondents believe that all children should have equal opportunities for a good education. Additionally, 78% believe that those in need should receive support from the state. However, the survey also shows that respondents expect meritocracy: 77% believe it is fair that those who contribute more should earn more. Furthermore, three-quarters demand that social benefits should be reduced if jobless individuals do not actively seek employment. Only 21% consider it just for everyone to have roughly the same amount of money for living.
In terms of assessing the performance of the political sphere, the survey indicates that the politicians are given a poor grade in terms of justice. 57% of respondents believe that the political sphere contributes to the increase of injustice, while only 7% think that the political sphere reduces injustices.
Around a quarter of respondents consider very high incomes and wealth as a sign of injustice: 24% advocate for minimizing these significant disparities, possibly through high taxes or levies on the wealthy. On the other hand, 61% of respondents find it acceptable for high incomes and wealth to be achieved. Overall, the survey highlights the perception of economic inequality and the desire for a more just society among Germans.