The attitudes and lifestyles of Muslims living in Germany very much reflect the social values prevalent in the Federal Republic, a fact little recognized by the general population. Most Germans are becoming increasingly averse to Islam. The result is exclusion and hardship for the country’s Muslims.

In Germany, the current poverty rate among the elderly is not very high compared to the general population. Yet experts expect this situation to change in the near future. For many, the result could well be a return to poverty in later life. Given that German society is steadily aging as a result of demographic change, this issue requires foresight and hard data.

The living environment families experience most directly is the one shaped at the local level. Family policy requires an interdisciplinary approach and must be considered during all decision-making processes if communities and society as a whole are to have a viable future. Families make valuable contributions that benefit everyone.

Social challenges require concerted action. Civic involvement is an important foundation of this activity. Persons in need are the focus of many different actors at the local level. How is it possible to coordinate government support and the contributions of time and money offered by associations, neighborhood groups, the municipality or housing societies, develop a common vision and take action together?

Supporting civic engagement for the purpose of common welfare – this is the mission of PHINEO.

Most people in Germany are now aware that the country’s population is shrinking, aging and becoming more diverse. Having detailed data on future demographic structures can help policymakers make far-reaching decisions about which actions to take.

Religious diversity is part of today’s world. Religion still shapes thought and action of many people and therefore remains a considerable social force around the globe. Adherents of different religions as well as many non-believers live alongside one another. Consequently, one of the main challenges the world faces today is finding a way for people of different cultural and religious backgrounds to coexist in harmony within any given society.

How can we create an equitable system of migration?

Introduced in 2009, the Reinhard Mohn Prize is the successor to the Carl Bertelsmann Prize, which was established in 1988. Prizewinners and the jury’s rationale for each award are provided below, from 1988 to the present.