Strengthening social cohesion: Citizen survey started in Bavaria

Strengthening social cohesion: Citizen survey started in Bavaria

An exciting research project is being launched in Bavaria that deals with social cohesion in rural areas. The Nuremberg University of Technology has taken on this important topic and plans to carry out comprehensive investigations by 2026. This project is supported by the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance and Homeland and aims to capture citizens' opinions and ideas in order to strengthen social cohesion.

But what exactly does social cohesion mean? Basically, it's about the way people live together in a community, the feeling of belonging to a place and the questions that affect the common good. In order to better understand these aspects, three surveys and four in-depth projects are being carried out in various rural regions of Bavaria. Voices from villages and small towns, from long-time residents and newcomers, and from people of all ages are heard. For detailed information, those interested can visit the project website: www.heimatprojekt-bayern.de.

Participation and process

All citizens living in rural communities are warmly invited to take part in this project. Participation in the three surveys can be done conveniently online via the project website. For the in-depth projects, the university team will specifically address various people and organizations throughout Bavaria.

The first survey looking at local social relationships took place last year and the results are now available on the website. The next survey, which deals with the connectedness of people in their communities, starts on September 14th and runs until October 14th, 2024. Anyone interested can find out more about this link register.

Why participate?

Participation in this research project offers a valuable opportunity to contribute your own voice and contribute to improving social cohesion in rural regions. The knowledge gained is systematically evaluated and is intended to help both citizens and politicians to better understand and further develop the solidarity in the communities. The results will be continuously published on the project website so that everyone interested has the opportunity to find out about the progress. The results report of the first citizen survey as well as a brochure on everyday support for seniors through neighborhood help can already be viewed online.

If you have any questions or further information, please contact the project management under the direction of Prof. Dr. Sabine Fromm at the Nuremberg University of Technology. You can contact them by email at heimatprojekt-bayern@th-nuernberg.de.