dw.com
AfD's Rise Exacerbates Societal Divisions in Germany
A study reveals a correlation between the AfD's regional success in Germany and increased prejudice against minorities, even among non-voters; experts argue that addressing underlying social and economic issues is crucial to counter the far-right's rise and foster social cohesion.
- How does the AfD's regional success directly impact social attitudes and hinder effective solutions to pressing societal challenges?
- The far-right AfD party's success in Germany correlates with increased prejudice against minorities even among non-AfD voters, indicating that the party's rhetoric exacerbates existing societal divisions. This polarization hinders political compromise and effective problem-solving on crucial issues like migration and climate change, threatening social cohesion.
- What are the underlying social and economic factors contributing to the rise of the far right and the widening societal divisions in Germany and beyond?
- Studies reveal a link between regional AfD strength and negative attitudes towards migrants, Muslims, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the less educated. This suggests that the far-right's divisive narratives extend their influence beyond their direct supporters, impacting broader societal attitudes and undermining collective action.
- What are the long-term consequences of prioritizing migration as the primary cause of social division, and what alternative approaches could foster greater inclusivity and social cohesion?
- The focus on migration as the sole cause of social division is a political failure, neglecting deeper issues like economic inequality and job insecurity. Addressing these root causes—affordable housing, fair wages, and social mobility—is crucial to counter the far-right's rise and foster genuine social cohesion. Failure to do so will further marginalize minority groups and intensify societal fractures.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the far-right as a primary driver of social division, supported by expert quotes and statistical data. While acknowledging other factors, the emphasis remains on the far-right's role in exacerbating existing divisions. The headline, if any, would likely reinforce this framing. The use of phrases like "widespread and dangerous division" sets a tone of alarm and implicitly points to the far-right as the cause.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral but contains some loaded terms. For example, describing the AfD as "far-right" carries a negative connotation. Similarly, describing populist tones as "can also be heard in mainstream German society" implies a concerning level of acceptance within the mainstream, potentially influencing the reader's perception negatively. Neutral alternatives could be considered.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the far-right's role in division but offers limited analysis of other contributing factors, such as economic inequality or historical grievances. While it mentions social issues briefly, it doesn't delve into specific policies or systemic problems that might exacerbate divisions. This omission limits a complete understanding of the root causes.
False Dichotomy
The article occasionally presents a false dichotomy by framing the debate as solely between the far-right and mainstream society, neglecting the complexities and nuances within those groups. For instance, it implies a uniform response from mainstream parties to immigration, overlooking internal disagreements and diverse viewpoints.
Gender Bias
The article mentions gender in relation to the groups targeted by prejudice (gay, lesbian, non-binary) but doesn't analyze gender bias in its own reporting or sources. The gender of the experts quoted isn't explicitly mentioned, which could be improved for greater transparency.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights growing social and political polarization, leading to increased prejudice against minorities and deepening gaps between social groups. This directly impacts SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries. The rise of far-right parties and the focus on migration as the sole cause of division further exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder progress towards this goal. Specific examples include increased prejudice against migrants, Muslims, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the less educated in regions with strong far-right presence. The lack of focus on addressing underlying social and economic issues, such as affordable housing and fair wages, also contributes to the widening inequality gap.