Characteristics of German Society — The Context in which Youth are Brought Up

Abstract

When we look at Germany today, twelve years after unification, as it is reflected in the topics dominating public debate, we get the impression of a contradictory and changing society under the pressure of severe economic and social problems. We see the diminishing relevance of the family, an overaged society, increasing youth violence and right-wing extremism, political apathy, East-West cleavage, educational decline, unacceptably high unemployment rates, a collapsing welfare system, the lack of integration of ethnic minorities, to name only a few of the recent problems, but, on the other hand, also a new leading role within the European Union, a new — and highly emotionally discussed — leading role for a German army in international defense and security systems, and new economic prosperity in high-tech business as challenges.