Chart of the Week Special | Courage shows itself in numerous situations: German courage instead of German fear

 

Courage is revealed in numerous situations.

 

Courage, as an abstract concept, evokes many associations; it can be understood as a form of behavior, a desire, or a value, but also as something connected to people, events, and decisions. But when do citizens describe their own behavior as courageous? In what situations do they act fearlessly? However different these aspects may be, they all derive their strength from the same source.

Courage arises from the combination of empathy, honesty, trust, and self-reflection. It develops not through external demands (e.g., from an authority figure), but from one's innermost value system, reflection, and social exchange.

Two out of three people describe themselves as courageous when standing up for family and friends. This manifests itself in various ways, such as providing emotional support, helping with challenges and conflicts, or offering concrete assistance in emergencies. Courageous action involves standing together against something or someone, resisting peer pressure, putting aside one's own ideas, and instead representing and defending the interests of a friend or relative. This support can be financial, moral, social, or emotional, and can take place in a wide variety of contexts. This courageous support stems from a sense of responsibility, empathy, and trust.

 

BETWEEN CONFLICT AND RESPONSIBILITY

 

Courage is also demonstrated in conflicts where one's own values or convictions are at the heart of the matter. In family or friendship disputes, it takes courage to stand up to the other person, to disagree with them, and to stand up for one's own opinion. This could involve, for example, political convictions, future plans, or professional and personal decisions. Precisely because these are people close to us, who often expect agreement or assume consensus, it requires overcoming this obstacle to comply. Reflecting on one's own values and the confidence that one will be understood strengthens decisiveness and the courage to take this path.

For one in two people, courage is also expressed in taking responsibility. This is particularly evident in the personal sphere. On the one hand, it refers to situations where courageous communication is key to resolving social conflicts and disputes. On the other hand, it concerns an action-oriented level where decisive choices are paramount. This can mean, for example, feeling solely responsible for raising a child, providing compassionate care for sick family members, or taking on binding obligations.

 

Courage means being responsible for one's actions, not passing them on to anyone else, and standing up for their consequences.

 

Courage is more often shown when representing one's own interests, less so when standing up for others.

 

Approximately two out of five citizens report acting courageously when it comes to representing their own interests and overcoming personal fears. It takes courage to assert one's needs proactively and to accept potential resistance or rejection from others. When this statement is considered in conjunction with the high level of agreement that courage is linked to self-confidence, the reciprocal relationship between self-confidence, courage, and standing up for one's own interests becomes clear. The specific areas into which these interests fall, whether private or professional, are of secondary importance. What matters is the courageous and self-assured advocacy for one's own needs, even in the face of resistance.

For roughly one in three citizens, courage is also a key prerequisite for planning and realizing their personal futures. Despite the existing freedom and numerous opportunities for self-realization in Germany, almost a third of Germans find it difficult to achieve these goals. In the professional sphere, in addition to financial risks, bureaucratic hurdles, rigid structures, a lack of understanding, and a lack of recognition are particularly feared. Courage is demonstrated by those who allow themselves to be swayed by these obstacles and who resolutely keep their goals in sight. Examples mentioned in this context include plans for self-employment, starting a business, changing careers, but also consciously foregoing a career advancement to have more time for other things.

 

Acting boldly when planning changes is a particular challenge, as there is no certainty about how things will develop in the future.

 

In contrast to their fearless commitment to helping strangers in their personal lives, only about a third of respondents say they would bravely stand up for strangers. The reasons for this can be partly explained by the rather abstract concept of "stranger" and a perceived lack of necessity. Unlike family and friends, there is less emotional closeness and connection, which reduces the perceived moral obligation. Added to this is the general trend toward retreating into private life, which results in fewer points of contact with people outside one's immediate circle. For many, standing up for strangers requires more courage than helping people they trust. The hurdle to being courageous seems significantly higher because the stranger's reaction or behavior is unpredictable, and it's harder to gauge whether support is actually wanted. Furthermore, there is greater uncertainty about how one's social circle will react to the assistance. However, when someone bravely steps up despite these obstacles, it demonstrates a high degree of empathy, helpfulness, open-mindedness, and a strong sense of social responsibility.

 

You can find further research results from our publication in our  Current research - 300.

And in our Chart of the Week Special KW19, KW20, KW21 and KW22: Lack of role models and Generation gap when choosing role models, What it means to be MUTIG as well as Convenience, fear and doubt – why courage often falls by the wayside.