Trust and Solidarity Among Citizens in Four German Cities

Abstract

Processes of social and economic change are making European cities more and more divided and segregated. This paper presents findings from an ongoing research project comparing the level of local political integration and representation in underprivileged quarters (high proportions of immigrants, unemployed people and welfare recipients) with privileged quarters in four German cities: Berlin, Cologne, Leipzig and Mannheim. Interviews with 3,200 citizens indicate that inhabitants of underprivileged quarters have less confidence in local political institutions and feel less well represented than residents of privileged quarters. However, we found differences between the cities as well. Cases of corruption in Cologne and Berlin have reduced confidence in local political institutions in privileged and underprivileged quarters. In terms of social cohesion, we found that citizens of privileged quarters do show solidarity with inhabitants of underprivileged quarters.