Poll results
Should everyone have to do a mandatory social year?
Support
Reject
Don't know
PolitPro Community – 3299 respondents – 11.07.2023-18.07.2023
Poll information
Should everyone have to do a mandatory social year? 76% voted in favor of a mandatory social year, 42% against.
:undecided% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 3299 users of the PolitPro app during 11.07.2023-18.07.2023. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.
Pros - What's in favor?
- Common good and social commitment: A mandatory social year would lead to every young person making a contribution to the common good and becoming actively involved in society. This promotes cohesion and a sense of responsibility in society. Valuable experience can be gained through the various areas of involvement in the social year, which promotes an understanding of the needs and challenges of other people and groups.
- Personal and social development: The Social Year offers young people the opportunity to develop their personal skills and acquire important social competencies. Direct contact with people in difficult life situations can strengthen empathy, teamwork and intercultural sensitivity. In addition, the social year can help with career orientation by providing insights into various fields of activity and challenging personal interests and strengths.
- Balancing social inequality: A mandatory social year would help reduce social inequalities. All young people would have the same opportunity to gain valuable experience and broaden their perspectives through the Social Year, regardless of their social background. This would help promote equal opportunities and break down social barriers.
Cons - What's against it?
- Individual freedom and freedom of choice: A mandatory social year could be perceived as a restriction on individual freedom and freedom of choice. Everyone should be able to decide for themselves how they want to organize their time after school or university. Obligations could be perceived as compulsion and could lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of motivation.
- Practical implementation and resources: The introduction of a mandatory social year would require extensive organizational and financial planning. Sufficient placement sites would have to be created and qualified caregivers would have to be provided. Furthermore, additional costs for accommodation, meals and insurance could arise. This could be a challenge, especially for smaller nonprofit organizations and the public sector.
- Alternatives and individual forms of engagement: Instead of a mandatory social year, other forms of community engagement could be encouraged. Voluntary projects, internships or volunteer work already offer opportunities to get involved socially and gain valuable experience. It should be up to each individual to decide how they want to contribute to the common good, rather than making it mandatory.