Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Workforce diversity in German speech-language pathology: A nationwide survey on representation, inclusion, and
Wiebke Scharff Rethfeldt1, Catharina Güttler1
1Faculty of Social Sciences, Hochschule Bremen - City University of Applied Sciences, Bremen, Germany.
Purpose:
Limited diversity in speech-language pathology is an issue as populations served become increasingly diverse. This study provides the first overview of demographic diversity within the German speech-language pathology workforce and examines discrimination experiences across multiple dimensions, with comparisons to national population statistics where possible.
Method:
A nationwide cross-sectional online survey using a 65-item self-identification questionnaire was conducted. Fully completed responses from speech-langauge pathologists (n = 1580) were analysed descriptively. Variables included age, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship/nationality, immigration history, ethnic origin/racialisation, religion/belief, language, disability, qualification pathways, and self-reported discrimination. Data were collected via LimeSurvey following guidance from the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency.
Result:
The workforce was predominantly female (91.3%) and White (93.16%). Respondents with an immigration history (18.29%) and Muslim affiliation were comparatively underrepresented compared with the general population. Sexual orientation and overall religious affiliation broadly aligned with population estimates. Heritage-language proficiency in major migrant languages was limited. Overall, 69% reported experiencing discrimination at least occasionally, most commonly based on gender. Respondents with an immigration history more often reported multiple perceived bases of discrimination.
Conclusion:
The German speech-language pathology workforce appears demographically homogenous, particularly regarding ethnicity/racialisation and heritage-language diversity. Discrimination is common. These findings provide a baseline for understanding workforce diversity and relate to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10.
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Stereotype Content Model
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...