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The Minimum Living Standard

Published
July 9, 2025
Authors

  • Torben Fischer

  • Levi Henze

  • Moritz Rüppel

  • Maike Wittmann
Contact
Judith Straub
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A New Orientation for an Adequate Standard of Living

When debates arise about minimum wage or social welfare standards, reference values are often used that neither rest on a broad societal basis nor reflect the dynamic living realities of a changing society. What is missing is a data foundation that shows what people in Germany actually consider necessary for an adequate life. Involving citizens more in social-policy negotiations can better capture actual needs and attitudes, thereby legitimising political decisions in times of transformation. 

Project description 

In the Minimum Living Standard project, a novel data collection approach was developed in collaboration with Dezernat Zukunft e. V., under the scientific leadership of Dr Irene Becker and Dr Benjamin Held that can fill this gap. Anchored in orientation towards the societal median, moderated focus groups worked with citizens to determine what financial needs arise for different household groups—also addressing whether and how ecological sustainability must be considered. 

Results of the Pilot Survey

  • Participants’ estimates are often close to the expenditures of the societal middle of the income distribution 
  • Needs in the areas of nutrition and participation tend to be higher 
  • Sustainability is particularly regarded as a vital component of an adequate life, especially in the spheres of nutrition and housing 

In the future, the Minimum Living Standard can serve as a new reference to complement established surveys in the context of wage and social-policy questions.

Application Scenarios

The project’s approach provides a new benchmark for wage and social policy issues. Based on its systematic further development, it could be applied in three scenarios:

  • Integration into the Federal Government’s Poverty and Wealth Report to highlight subjective and sustainability-related dimensions.
  • Expert input for the Minimum Wage Commission through a citizen-oriented and forward-looking data basis.
  • Use in citizens’ assemblies to define socially accepted guidelines for a decent and sustainable life.

Team

Torben Fischer

Project Manager

Torben Fischer is not only responsible for planning and managing projects at the ZSP, he is also in charge of designing and developing studies and projects.

Moritz Rüppel

Moritz Rüppel heads the Sustainable Welfare State division. His work focuses on the political and strategic orientation of the department, proactively setting the agenda for the topics it addresses, and transferring research findings to the parliamentary and pre-political arena. Moritz also represents the department in dealings with political actors.

Maike Wittmann

Junior Advisor

Maike Wittmann monitors current trends and developments in politics and science at ZSP, laying the foundation for new project ideas.

Levi Henze

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