Federal Education Minister Karin Prien expressed serious concern over the findings, stating that the results are “alarming” The Ifo study reveals a significant decrease in upward mobility for individuals born in the mid-1970s and later Economist Andreas Peichl of the Ifo Institute noted that the influence of parental income on a child’s future earnings has doubled since the late 1970s and early 1980s
The study suggests Germany’s current level of social mobility is now comparable to that of the United States – a nation where research, notably a 2017 study by Harvard economist Ray Chetty, has highlighted a diminishing “American Dream” and particularly impacts the middle class
In response to the findings, Minister Prien announced plans to counteract the trend through increased investment in early childhood education These initiatives include a focus on mandatory language support programs and targeted funding for schools in disadvantaged areas, with specific mention of the “Startchancen” program, all aimed at securing opportunities for all children The Minister emphasized these programs are a priority for the current federal government
