Widespread Incidence of Aggression and Violence Among Politically Engaged Individuals - Study Finds - Political Activists Often Showcase Aggressive Behavior and History of Violent Encounters, Study Reveals
In a study published between May 2024 and February 2025, politically active individuals were found to experience significant levels of aggression and violence. The study, funded by the Hans Boeckler Foundation, analyzed responses from 1,479 participants out of 22,264 invited, indicating limited participation and an overrepresentation of affected individuals.
Insults, discrimination, and defamation were the most commonly reported forms of aggression (53%, 35%), followed by social exclusion (29%) and property damage (15%). Threats (13%) and sexualized aggression (8%) were less frequent, while physical attacks were reported by 6% of participants. It's worth noting that the study could not provide reliable information on the political party affiliation of those affected.
The study also examined the consequences of these experiences on the affected individuals. Approximately 70% reported no change in their engagement, while 20% did, with some reducing their public statements, visibility, or campaign activities. A majority (84%) discussed their experiences with their private network, with 33% remaining silent and 13% reporting the incidents.
Christina Schildmann of the Hans Boeckler Foundation stated, "Despite some methodological limitations, it is clear that aggression and violence experiences are not a rare occurrence for politically engaged individuals. These attacks not only affect the individuals themselves but also pose a risk to the functioning of democratic institutions."
Cases such as the assassination of Walter Lübcke, a CDU politician, and the withdrawal from politics of Yvonne Magwas, Marco Wanderwitz, and Kevin Kühnert due to an aggressive climate, highlight the broader impact of political aggression and violence.
In general, political aggression can take various forms, including physical violence, verbal abuse, online harassment, and intimidation, with potential consequences such as psychological impact, social withdrawal, increased polarization, and physical harm. As of now, specific details about the Boeckler study are not available.
- The Community policy should address the rising incidents of aggression and violence experienced by politically active individuals, as highlighted in a study commissioned by the Hans Boeckler Foundation.
- The Employment policy could be modified to provide support for politically engaged employees who face aggression and violence, considering the mental-health implications and potential impact on their job performance.
- In light of the Boeckler study findings, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of health-and-wellness, including mental-health, in political news coverage and academic discussions about politics, to foster a more positive and inclusive environment for those actively engaged in politics.
