Encouraging instead of forcing: Why a compulsory social year is not a good idea

The crises of the past few years have shown time and again how important social cohesion is.

How can this cohesion be strengthened?

A year of social service is therefore being demanded everywhere - already repeatedly, for example, by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The approval in society is great.

In a recent survey, two-thirds of Germans were in favor of young people getting involved with others for a year after leaving school.

The boys should get out of their bubble, get to know other perspectives and develop understanding for their fellow human beings.

As nice as that thought is, it doesn't take into account the price that would come with such a duty.

It would mean a significant restriction of freedom for young people.

The start of studies and training would have to be postponed a year, as would plans for an internship abroad or "work and travel".

These are also opportunities for many young people to broaden their horizons.

A mandatory year, on the other hand, would be a blatant intervention in the life planning of individuals.

In a liberal democracy like Germany, it could only be justified in exceptional cases.

Social cohesion is a valuable asset.

But politicians cannot oblige citizens to pay taxes.

It requires an inner willingness that cannot be forced.

In addition, there is a lack of approval in the crucial age group.

It is primarily the elderly, who would not be affected by the obligation, who advocate the year of service.

In contrast, only half of those under 35 think it's a good idea.

The other half would have to do the service against their will.

It is difficult to imagine that under these conditions she would be motivated to tackle it with interest and passion.

Social commitment would be devalued as a result

This does not do justice to the young people or to the institutions in which a compulsory year would have to be completed.

In this way, social commitment would not be upgraded, but devalued.

So far, the federal government has relied on volunteering and has reached more than 50,000 young people with the voluntary social year.

This corresponds to about eleven percent of school leavers.

More than 35,000 citizens are involved in the federal voluntary service, which is open to all age groups.

Their testimonials are mostly positive.

According to association representatives, around 60 percent of the volunteers in nursing decide to complete training in the specialist area.

They had previously made a conscious decision to get involved and out of personal interest.

In order to win more young people for missions like this, he has to be encouraged and made more attractive.

Criticism is therefore directed at the "pocket money" that is paid for the voluntary services.

It corresponds to six percent of the contribution assessment limit in the general pension insurance.

Last year it was a maximum of 423 euros.

That is less than the standard rate in social assistance.

The places of assignment have the option of providing accommodation and meals in addition to the pocket money or of offering monetary compensation – but they do not have to.

Set more incentives

Nobody should get rich through voluntary service.

However, volunteers are not a cheap substitute for skilled workers.

The volunteers should at least be able to make a living without being dependent on financial support from their parents or a part-time job.

Currently, however, voluntary service is a luxury for many.

The fact that the traffic light government has included an increase in pocket money in its coalition agreement is a step in the right direction.

This should also include a free ticket for local public transport.

In addition to remuneration, young people could be given a stronger signal that commitment is worthwhile.

The Federal Volunteer Service can already count towards the number of waiting semesters for subjects with numerus clausus.

Young people can just as well have a job or do better-paid internships during this time.

For voluntary service, you could count twice the number of semesters.

It would also be conceivable to subsidize the study and training grants in the following years.

The clubs and institutions themselves, where a voluntary year is spent, have to make an effort: in addition to appropriate services, an attractive offer includes offering tasks that are challenging but not overwhelming.

Last but not least, social cohesion must also be demonstrated to the volunteers – by all generations.

Maybe even with the Federal Volunteer Service.