In three weeks, Germany will vote. When I decide where to place my vote, one thing matters most: Which party represents a vision of society that acknowledges a fundamental truth—who we become is largely shaped by circumstances beyond our control. Our intelligence, resilience, and talents may feel personal, but they are, to a significant extent, the result of factors we never chose: our genetics, the quality of our education, the financial security of our parents, the country we were born in. Even our ability to work hard and persevere is shaped by early childhood experiences and social conditioning.
Yet, political debates still treat success as if it were primarily a matter of individual merit. Those who thrive are seen as deserving, while those who struggle are often met with suspicion. Policies reinforce this bias: When it comes to the successful, we talk about investments and incentives. When it comes to those facing hardship—whether they are migrants, low-income workers, or people who grew up in difficult circumstances—we talk about restrictions, obligations, and sanctions. ✋
This isn’t just unfair, it’s counterproductive. Studies from behavioral economics and social psychology show that when people lack security—be it financial, social, or psychological—they make worse long-term decisions, not because they are irrational, but because uncertainty forces them to focus on immediate survival. The economist Sendhil Mullainathan and the psychologist Eldar Shafir call this the «scarcity mindset»: The less you have, the harder it becomes to plan ahead, save money, or invest in education. Instead of lifting people out of difficult circumstances, we often make it structurally harder for them to escape.
So, how do we fix this?
1️⃣ Recognize That Success Is Systemic, Not Just Personal
Economic growth isn’t just about rewarding high performers—it’s about creating the conditions in which as many people as possible can succeed. Research in developmental psychology shows that early childhood education, stable housing, and access to healthcare dramatically influence lifetime earnings. The Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman found that every euro invested in early education returns multiples in economic gains. We should prioritize policies that expand these opportunities, rather than relying on outdated notions of «self-made success.»
2️⃣ Shift from Punishment to Empowerment
When people struggle financially, our first response is often to tighten conditions: stricter job-search requirements, reduced benefits, harsher penalties for non-compliance. But research in social policy, such as that of sociologist Matthew Desmond, shows that this approach often worsens economic insecurity rather than alleviating it. Instead of imposing sanctions, we should ask: What do people need to succeed? Secure housing, accessible childcare, mental health support, and job training programs that don’t just teach skills but lead to real employment opportunities.
3️⃣ Rethink How We Develop Talent
Why do we invest in executive leadership programs but not in mentorship for disadvantaged youth? Studies in labor economics indicate that professional networks and informal mentorship play a massive role in career success. If we want equal opportunity, we must ensure that leadership development and career coaching aren’t reserved for those already in privileged positions.
4️⃣ See Immigration as an Economic Opportunity
The data is clear: Countries that invest in integrating migrants—through language training, professional recognition, and job placement programs—see higher economic returns than those that marginalize them. Germany’s 2015 refugee integration policies demonstrated that with structured investment, newcomers can contribute significantly to the economy. Yet, the political narrative often frames immigration as a burden rather than an opportunity. This needs to change.
5️⃣ Challenge the Narrative
Meritocracy, as it is often presented, is a myth. Sociological research consistently shows that factors like family wealth, education, and access to networks shape life outcomes far more than individual effort alone. If we want a fairer society, we must acknowledge that no one succeeds in isolation. Our policies should reflect this by ensuring that support structures are seen not as charity but as essential investments in human potential.
A society that only nurtures the strong will always be weaker than one that lifts up the vulnerable. Elections are about choices—not just between parties, but between competing visions of what fairness and opportunity truly mean. It’s time we choose a future where success is built together, not hoarded by those who had the luck to start ahead.