Child Poverty in Germany

A German NGO such as World Vision, that alleviates child poverty around the world, must not turn a blind eye to the increasing poverty of children in Germany. Although child poverty in Germany constitutes relative rather than absolute poverty, the fate of children who are being marginalized, discriminated against or must put up with severe material and physical disadvantages through the low-income situation of their families, must not leave us untouched.

The situation of children in Germany is deteriorating dramatically. In 2003, 1.08 million children were members of households living on social welfare (social welfare being a good indicator of relative poverty); at the end of 2004 that number increased to 1.45 million. In 2006, the number had increased beyond the 2 million mark.

Due to the economic situation of their families, poor children suffer from physical and psychological stress, have poor prospects with regard to completing their education and entering upon a professional career, lack essential material goods, are often undernourished, and have less social contacts and friends than children in better-off groups.

When evaluating child poverty, it is not enough to just collect statistical data of income and living standards; one must also try to capture, understand and appreciate children’s subjective perception of themselves. That is the objective of the World Vision Children Study which – similar to the Shell Youth Study – is an analysis of a survey conducted with children who were questioned regarding their perception of their own situation. The study works on the assumption that children are excellent experts on themselves. The study is based on interviews of 1500 to 2000 children aged 6 to 11 years of age. They are interviewed face to face at their homes by experienced Infratest interviewers. The study constitutes an approach never tried before. To design, co-ordinate and analyse the survey, World Vision was able to solicit the renowned German sociologist Klaus Hurrelmann and his colleague Sabine Andresen. Based on the interviews, the study is unequalled in its thoroughness of describing the living conditions of children in Germany. A follow-up study will be carried out in 2010.

Here you’ll find additional information and background material regarding the topic of „child poverty in Germany“ and the World Vision Children Study:

www.kinderstudie.de