Study revealed: social fears drive right -wing populist tendencies

Study revealed: social fears drive right -wing populist tendencies

social fears and their influence on populist currents in Germany

In a current investigation, which was carried out by Philip Morris GmbH in cooperation with the Rheingold Institute, the fear of social relegation focuses on the political landscape of Germany. The study, which aims at the citizens' realities of life, reveals interesting relationships between economic concerns and the tendency to right -wing populist attitudes.

The comprehensive analysis was carried out in 2024 and interviewed around 4,000 citizens entitled to vote in Germany. The results show that fear of social decline does not only affect people from low -income layers. Rather, academics and other groups in society are permeated by these fears. The investigation reveals that there is a frightening projection tendency in the general population to direct economic concerns in particular on the subject of migration.

Many respondents report that they feel disadvantaged. This feeling of external determination, i.e. the impression of not being able to shape your own life according to personal ideas, means that the searchers are looking for stability and security backing with political currents that offer simple answers to complex questions. In this context it becomes clear that the choice of parties such as the AfD and the alliance Sahra Wagenknecht is not only motivated by extreme economic hardship, but rather by internal fears.

• The desire for support: Some respondents claim to have a higher claim to prosperity, which they are entitled to through state aid or property in the form of real estate. At the same time, they feel a discrepancy between their demands and reality, which leads to disappointment and frustration.
• migration as competition: These fears are often projected onto migrants, which are perceived as a threat to resources such as jobs and social services. Researchers interpret this as a dangerous narrative that fueled right -wing populist currents.

The managing director of Philip Morris, Torsten Albig, emphasizes that a differentiated analysis of the social framework is required for the political trend, in particular the success of the AfD and BSW in the East German federal states. The aim of the study is to grasp these social phenomena more clearly and to objectively illuminate their effects.

at a time when political landscapes in Europe are increasingly polarizing, understanding of these mechanisms is important. The study leads to thinking about your own perception of social conditions and recognizing how individual fears can influence collective action.

For healthy democracy, it is essential that signs of social dissatisfaction and fears are heard and addressed. This is the only way to develop measures that meet the challenges in society and effectively counteract the reasons for the development for populist currents. The results of this study offer a valuable foundation for future political discussions and decisions in Germany.