What values are really important to us in Austria?

The people in Austria rely on family cohesion and wish to lead a free, self-determined life. At the same time, security is also a major concern for them. This is the result of a study on core values, which was presented on Tuesday by Family and Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP). Courtesy in interactions is also highly valued - as is the German language as a prerequisite for integration.

Study Shows Central Values in Austria

For the representative survey conducted by the OGM Institute, more than 1,000 people with and without a migration background were interviewed. "The result shows that Austria is built on clear values," emphasized Plakolm. However, some results of the study are quite ambivalent, as OGM employee Johannes Klotz pointed out. Because behind the frontrunner, family and partnership cohesion, which was mentioned by almost 60 percent, a free and self-determined life follows as an important core value. Security is already in third place.

This is typically Austrian, Klotz found. People appreciate freedom, but also safety nets like collective agreements or municipal housing. In terms of core values, income and prosperity, as well as environmental and climate protection, follow. Innovation and dynamism appear at the bottom. Topics that one should be aware of in Austria were also surveyed. Here, courtesy in interactions tops the list, followed by environmental awareness and willingness to perform or work ethic.

Preservation of Traditions Important

Among typical Austrian behaviors, the preservation of one's own traditions was mentioned particularly frequently (65 percent). However, only 39 percent stated that this was also personally important to them - which, according to OGM, is likely due to the urban-rural difference. 53 percent admitted to keeping public spaces clean. According to the study, beliefs are primarily shaped by parents and educational institutions. Media also play an important role here, with traditional offerings like newspapers or television ranked ahead of social media platforms.

Specifically evaluated was, among other things, the assessment of gender roles. Financial independence of women as well as equal treatment in education and employment were mentioned by almost all respondents as important principles. According to Klotz, however, there is a divided opinion on unpaid work. Just over half agree with the statement that a woman should not work at all after the birth of a child. Only 45 percent do not see it that way.

German as a Prerequisite for Integration

In the area of integration, over 90 percent of the respondents believe that immigrants who do not strive to follow "fundamental values" or learn the German language should live elsewhere. And even though church attendance continues to decline, the study shows a clear commitment to Christianity. Crosses in classrooms or the celebration of Christian festivals in schools and kindergartens are considered important.

According to Plakolm, the population also expects that laws should take precedence over religious regulations. She referred to value courses as a central component of integration. "Those who do not participate must expect consequences in the future, up to and including cuts in social benefits." She also described the planned mandatory summer courses for students with insufficient German language skills as an important measure.

In general, 96 percent of those surveyed for the study feel affiliated with Austria. Debates about the Austrian nation, which still existed in the 1960s, are now considered a thing of the past, according to study author Klotz.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.