Stand on your own two feet
How financially independent do women and men in Germany feel?
Economic independence is understood as the ability to secure one's own livelihood on a permanent and independent basis – even in the event of changed circumstances such as starting a family, career breaks, or retirement.
The study by SINUS-Institut, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women, and Youth (BMBFSFJ), examines these questions, among others:
- Which significance does economic independence have for women and men in Germany?
- How do women and men perceive their economic independence in different life situations?
- What do women and men need in order to strengthen their economic independence?
Key findings
- Almost everyone in Germany strives for financial independence – but only about half actually achieve this goal.
- Women with young children (under six years of age), single parents, and people with low qualifications or low incomes are comparatively less likely to feel financially independent. For mothers of young children, this is often due to part-time work and correspondingly lower incomes.
- In order to bring desire and reality more into line, framework conditions are needed that enable substantial gainful employment – in particular fair and flexible working conditions, reliable childcare, and better economic education.