Chart of the Week Special | Role Model Deficiency: German Courage instead of German Fear

Many want more, but there are fewer and fewer.

 

The question of role models and their importance to society is not new. But especially in times of great change, uncertainty, and challenges, role models take on particular importance. They can help provide clear guidance and point the way to a positive future. However, there is a significant discrepancy between the desire for courageous role models and the reality experienced. When it comes to courageous behavior, citizens look for role models from their immediate family, their own social circles, social organizations, and institutional settings. The longing for role models is strongest in politics. Political role models are expected to transcend personal interests and demonstrate innovative solutions. Particularly in uncertain crisis situations, people hope for decision-makers who inspire citizens through their actions, demonstrating foresight, conviction, confidence, and decisiveness. These individuals should not only be exemplary for their own lives but also serve as a model for society as a whole.

 

DISCREPANCY BETWEEN DESIRE AND REALITY

 

However, in reality there is a big difference between desire and reality. Only one in ten people perceives politicians as acting courageously and sees them as a positive inspiration. Criticisms include a lack of clear positions, as well as statements and actions that point optimistically toward the future, instead of focusing solely on problems or negative perspectives. Overall, most politicians convey an image to broad segments of the population that is contrary to courage and characterized by uncertainty, indecisiveness, lack of transparency, or partisan politics.

Besides politicians, almost half the population also sees themselves and every other citizen as having a duty to be a courageous role model. This demonstrates a strong civic consciousness, as the focus is not solely on authority figures, but rather on acknowledging the capacity of non-public individuals in society to serve as role models. However, this recognition of their capacity also comes with the demand and expectation to act courageously. Specifically, citizens desire this courage, for example, when it comes to demonstrating civic courage and initiative, taking responsibility, or standing up for one's own convictions. However, this great potential for courage is currently only being realized to a very limited extent. Only one in ten people in Germany sees them acting as courageous role models.

Many citizens express disappointment with "the others." This perception is fueled by a diffuse feeling of mistrust, insecurity, fear, and pessimism within society. A picture of fatalism emerges, devoid of engagement, opportunity for change, perspective, hope, and positive energy.

 

ROLE MODELS FROM ONE'S OWN SURROUNDINGS ASKED

 

Two out of five citizens also name people from their own lives as potentially courageous role models. In most cases, these are authority figures with whom one has a direct relationship, for example, from the professional or academic sphere, such as supervisors and teachers. These individuals serve as role models when their behavior demonstrates high motivation and respect for others. They are perceived as courageous when they stand up for their employees or students, express clear convictions, and can authentically advocate for unpopular decisions. These are the qualities that are then considered worthy of emulation. The particular balance of closeness and distance these role models represent offers a high degree of identification and the opportunity to discover what is possible on both an individual and societal level.

Few teachers and supervisors can meet this standard, and only one in ten citizens feels inspired by them. Both groups lack, above all, leadership qualities related to courage, qualities that manifest as commitment, optimism, and determination.

 

CONCLUSION

 

There is a lack of courageous role models in society. To counter the danger of a pessimistic mood and a feeling of fatalism, every individual is called upon to take responsibility and bravely face challenges in order to be a role model for others and thus make a positive contribution to the future of society.

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

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