The political debate in Germany is increasingly characterized by a struggle over distribution, as noted by Harvard economist Stefanie Stantcheva. Her research shows that more and more people are trapped in a zero-sum mindset, meaning they believe that the gain of one group necessarily comes at the expense of another. This way of thinking particularly affects younger generations and supporters of all political parties.
Stantcheva explains that narratives in many media often depict a large conflict. When a country gains in international trade, it is interpreted as a loss for another country. Similarly, women’s careers are often perceived as a threat to men, and the economic successes of immigrants are seen as a disadvantage for locals.
This perspective impacts political communication and the perception of social issues. Stantcheva emphasizes that such narratives not only poison political debate but can also undermine trust in society. The notion that there are only winners and losers leads to an irreconcilable attitude within society.
Stantcheva’s findings shed light on the challenges facing politics in fostering constructive discussion. It remains to be seen how this dynamic will affect the upcoming elections.
