Living conditions in Germany - fourth report on poverty and wealth

Abstract

"The fourth Report on Poverty and Wealth (Vierter Armuts- und Reichtumsbericht/ parliamentary printed document 17/12650) of the German Federal Government must fulfil two different requirements. On the one hand it should discuss current issues and findings relating to poverty, wealth and social inequality in Germany in a synoptic manner. On the other, it serves to report on, present and justify the actions of the Federal Government in respect to these issues. The task of assessing the latter rests in the political sphere and is not the subject of this Statement by IAB. With regard to the first requirement it may be said that the Government has presented, in its fourth Report on Poverty and Wealth, a well-informed, scientifically discerning document that corresponds to the current status of research. In particular the report is right in stating that, in principle, the positive developments on the labour market provide the prerequisites necessary for improving the circumstances of a great many persons and for reducing poverty. Nonetheless the growing disparities in levels of pay and a polarising tendency in the quality of employment give cause for concern. Here various research reports of IAB can be consulted as critical additions and impulses for the future configuration of the Report on Poverty and Wealth. In the current statement, IAB deals with the strengths of the Report on Poverty and Wealth as well as with points which could potentially be developed further." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Achatz, J., Beste, J., Bruckmeier, K., Fohrbeck, A., Heining, J., Kruppe, T., Kupka, P., Ludsteck, J., Promberger, M., Rudolph, H., Weber, E., Wenzig, C., Wiemers, J. & Zirra, S. (2013): Lebenslagen in Deutschland - Vierter Armuts- und Reichtumsbericht. Öffentliche Anhörung von Sachverständigen vor dem Ausschuss für Arbeit und Soziales des Deutschen Bundestags am 3. Juni 2013. (IAB-Stellungnahme 03/2013), Nürnberg, 16 p.