Perspectives of people in precarious life situations
Demands for a just future
In debates about our future, it is mainly those who have resources or a good network who have a say. Our partner denkhausbremen asked less privileged people what they think is needed for a fairer future. The result is a list of demands, which we present here.
Those who are not constantly preoccupied with “making ends meet” are the ones most involved in discussions about the future of our society. This inequality is poisonous for democracy, which depends on as many people as possible being able to participate equally in decision-making. Our partner denkhausbremen has now published a list of demands as part of the “Das soziale 1,5-Grad-Ziel” (The 1.5-Degree Pledge for Society) project funded by the Robert Bosch Foundation. People who are not usually involved in debates about the future have contributed to this list: those who feel left behind, have little money or no home, live with illness or disabilities, or are immigrants.
The catalog is the result of a journey undertaken by denkhausbremen across Germany starting in 2018. The denkhausbremen team of Peter Gerhardt, Ulrike Eppler, and Michael Gerhardt met people from 25 initiatives across the country, listened to them, and wrote down what drives them and what they have to say. The result is a call to shape the future together. The catalog of demands focuses on the concerns of the groups involved. It is about solidarity, fair opportunities for all, and cohesion.
Catalog of demands
To the Publication (in German)
In pursuit of the 1.5-Degree Pledge for Society. Demands for a just future.
The catalog provides answers to the question of how the growing inequality associated with the economization of many areas of life can be counteracted. This has resulted in demands on the topics of democracy and community, housing, health, taxes, work, and social security. Below, we present excerpts from the catalog of demands.
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Democracy and community
Community must be emphasized and lived more strongly again. It is the much-cited glue that holds a society together. In a community, everyone can experience themselves as part of a whole. However, the prerequisite for community is fairer, more inclusive, and barrier-free conditions for as many citizens as possible.
- In public spaces, meeting places should be provided for all sections of society where there is no pressure to consume.
- Sharing initiatives, common goods, and projects oriented toward the common good should be promoted and expanded.
- Parliaments should represent all strata of society and enable greater citizen participation in democratic processes.
- Accessibility and protection against discrimination must be guaranteed in all areas of public services. All types of barriers must be taken into account — not only wheelchair accessibility, but also barriers related to sensory impairments, severe speech impairments, or mental health issues.
- The basis for measuring the success of a state and its economy must be the benefit to its people and be guided by criteria such as life expectancy, satisfaction, democracy, equality, and the preservation of ecological foundations.
“Inequality is like poison for democracy, which derives its legitimacy from the fact that as many people as possible have the opportunity and the chance to participate equally in the formation of opinion and the resulting decisions.”
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Health
Poverty makes people ill, and illness makes people poor. There is hardly any area of life where the gap between rich and poor can be measured so clearly in figures. In financially disadvantaged neighborhoods, chronic diseases are more widespread and people die significantly earlier. Conversely, people with health restrictions are at increased risk of poverty. As a matter of principle, healthcare should not be organized for profit.
- The two-tier healthcare system, which distinguishes between patients with public and private health insurance, should be abolished. Instead, a compulsory citizens' insurance scheme should be introduced for all.
- Preventive and early detection examinations should be accessible to everyone. Education and information about these services must be improved.
- The number and distribution of doctors must be improved so that timely appointments and treatment are possible.
- Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care must be significantly improved. The support system must be supplemented by community psychiatric services and safe houses for people for whom traditional inpatient treatment is not an option.
- People who are entitled to exemption from co-payments for medical services should not have to pay upfront.
- Health promotion must be expanded. This includes well-equipped health departments, healthy food in public institutions such as schools, and broad-based education campaigns.
- Health care must be organized at the community level. The establishment of health centers and life-world-oriented assistance is necessary.
“The future will only be socially just and ecologically responsible if as many people as possible are on board and have a say in decisions. Our contribution to this is now on the table.”
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Environmental justice
We need a caring society based on solidarity that considers social and environmental issues together. However, up to now, it has been people's wallets that have determined whether and to what extent they are affected by environmental pollution. Yet it is the rich who have a particularly large ecological footprint and whose way of life would have to change dramatically on the path to sustainability. However, environmental protection can only be successful in a democratic society if the benefits and burdens of possible changes are distributed fairly.
- Public transportation tickets must be available in analog form and in cash.
- Tax privileges that primarily benefit the wealthy at the expense of the environment should be abolished immediately. These include benefits such as tax-free kerosene for private jets and tax breaks for official limousines.
- Social compensation for expected financial hardship resulting from environmental protection measures must be clarified in advance.
- Wear and tear production must be reduced and repairs should be encouraged.Projects that enable people with little money to actively participate in environmental and climate protection should be given high priority. Examples include balcony photovoltaic modules for social welfare recipients.