BROAD MAJORITY CALLS FOR MORE COURAGE
A large majority of German citizens agree that the challenges of the future can only be overcome if society is prepared to question old ways of thinking and openly embrace courageous change. This is the conclusion of the latest publication "German Courage instead of German Fear" by the non-profit organisation Foundation for Future Issuesfor which over 3,000 people aged 18 and over were surveyed.
With regard to the high level of approval for social courage, there are hardly any differences between the genders - just as with income, place of residence or educational background. Only the younger generation shows above-average approval at 80 per cent. In line with their own behaviour, they also want and demand this more from society. In addition, future challenges, e.g. in education (more digitalisation), work (better work-life balance) or climate change (more sustainability), affect and influence young people in particular, which is why they are in favour of new approaches and ways of thinking.
"Future challenges will mean that citizens will have to experience change and adapt to new circumstances. Courage is seen as an important quality in order to not just passively endure these changes, but to actively help shape them. Habitual perspectives tend to emphasise concerns and negate opportunities. Constantly worrying about possible risks, hesitatingly waiting and cautiously reassuring oneself offers a superficial image of security and common sense, but also includes a lack of confidence, a lack of self-confidence and a lack of vision, and fewer and fewer citizens want this."says Professor Dr Ulrich Reinhardt, the author of the book.
HOW WE BECOME BRAVER
There is undoubtedly no simple answer as to what is needed to make German society more courageous. However, there are numerous measures and opportunities that can help to promote courage within a society and strengthen the existing potential.
1. upbringing and education: Both are undoubtedly among the most effective tools for promoting courage. Self-confidence and social intelligence can be strengthened at an early age in families and kindergartens. Later on, critical thinking should be promoted at school in order to broaden pupils' perspectives and encourage them to take responsibility for courageous projects. Universities and colleges could also include courage as one of the key competences in their curricula.
2. encouraging open dialogue and discussion: The opportunity and encouragement of open dialogue can help individuals to share their fears and concerns, to overcome them, to encounter other perspectives, ways of thinking and behaving and to question their own prejudices.
3. promotion of solidarity and social commitment: Supporting and recognising charitable projects, volunteering and voluntary work that encourage people to get involved in the community and support others. One focus here could be on addressing young people, giving them more freedom and opportunities to make decisions so that they can actively shape their future.
4. more media competence and "good news": Only with sufficient media literacy is one able to categorise and critically question the information received and its origin. This also reduces the fear of apparent manipulation by the media. In addition, greater visualisation of positive news is recommended in order to strengthen a generally confident attitude.
5. promotion of political participation: Encouraging people to actively shape society, whether through elections, online platforms, citizens' forums or membership of political organisations or NGOs, can help to strengthen individual responsibility and reduce feelings of helplessness and powerlessness. Citizens must have the certainty that their opinions and needs will be heard and that they will be involved in decision-making.
6. promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation: Establish funding programmes and resources that support entrepreneurs and innovators to develop new and bold ideas and business models.
7. creation of open working conditions: Development of programmes and measures that encourage companies and employers to create attractive and supportive development opportunities for their employees and thus offer them more room for bold ideas and independent work.
8. leadership role: Decisive, confident and inspiring leadership, be it political, economic, scientific, social or media, can help a society to act more courageously. This requires open communication, an authentic demeanour and clear formulations of convictions, visions and goals that are both motivating and comprehensible.
9. error culture: Promoting a culture that is characterised by openness, learning orientation, responsibility and optimism and does not see mistakes as failure, but as an important opportunity for growth.
10. positive role models: More awards for courageous people, projects, concepts and ideas in order to give them the recognition they deserve and to fulfil the public's desire for positive role models.
Reinhardt concludes by saying: "The realisation of each of these proposals requires effort, a sense of responsibility and the willingness to overcome resistance. In short: it requires courage".
Survey institute GfK
Field time: November 2022
2,000 respondents aged 18-74 years
Online
Qualitative individual interviews and focus groups
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