WSI-Verteilungsbericht 2021: Die Einkommenssituation und Abstiegsängste der Mittelschicht

An increase in incomes of those who belong to the middle-income category has led to a slight decline in income inequality in recent years. Given this positive trend, the article examines the situation of the so-called middle class and what was formerly their central fear – the fear of losing social status. Using the SOEP data, the analysis shows that the middle class fear of relegation declined significantly between 2010 and 2019, not least because of the good economic conditions, which also led to a drop in the unemployment rate. Against this backdrop, the question is how the Covid-19 crisis has affected income inequality and fears of losing social status. The data from the HBS survey of the working population indicate that poorer income groups experienced more frequent declines and were also more concerned about their future careers and financial situation. Thus, the positive trend of recent years may have come to a halt as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, which is why income inequality may be on the rise again. There is therefore a need to protect above all the groups most affected by the crisis by improving their qualifications and strengthening their collective bargaining agreements.