The East-West comparison, which crops up time and again in surveys and discussions, highlights a deep-rooted divide in perceptions between East and West Germany. Even 35 years after reunification, the responses of the East Germans surveyed show that many people feel disadvantaged compared to the West. But is this comparison really still relevant or even useful?
Comparisons often have the potential to reinforce inequalities and stir up negative feelings. When we constantly measure ourselves against others, we easily lose sight of the individual circumstances and characteristics of different regions. A comparison suggests that there is a "better" and a "worse" side, but this often does not reflect reality.
In Dresden, for example, there are both millionaires and normal earners - just like in large cities in western Germany. Life in the countryside, whether in Saxony or Bavaria, is different to life in the city anyway. The realities of life are diverse and differ not only between East and West, but also between urban and rural areas, between different social classes and between young and old people.
