[Acceptance of social security by the German population]

Against the background of persistent problems of financing and monitoring the system of social security as practised in the Federal Republic of Germany, empirical research into preferences and acceptance has gained increasing importance. The acceptance of social security by the population has been checked empirically by means of data of the Socio-Economic Panel. The following questions have been studied: Which degree of acceptance applies generally speaking to the existing system? Are there differences in respect of acceptance regarding the various subdivisions of social insurance and how are they to be explained? What are the conclusions that can be arrived on the basis of these results? Overall assessment of the indicators employed shows that on the whole a high degree of acceptance is accorded to the existing security system. It cannot be concluded from the results that a fundamental reorganisation of the entire system towards security mainly on the individual's own responsibility would be in accordance with the preferences of the great majority of the population. Reorganisation would have to reckon with a low acceptance level. However, the monthly contributions--especially in respect of sickness insurance--are considered to be too high by part of the population.