Today’s high kindergarten contributions represent a massive burden for many families and raise fundamental questions about social justice and the responsibility of the state. Children are not a private matter, but a task for society as a whole, because their upbringing and education are the basis for the future of the entire community. Nevertheless, parents are involvedfaced enormous costs, which bring many to the brink of their financial possibilities. Instead of creating real freedom of choice, whether both parents can be employed or not, these fees force many families into difficult work and childcare considerations. A situation arises in which parents are not on an equal footing with the state, but from the financial onesthe pressures of childcare are crushed.
The intensification of social inequality
The high contributions create a society in which children from low-income households are disadvantaged from the start. Families with low incomes are faced with the choice of either renouncing high-quality care or financially burdening themselves to the limits. This means that children from poorer backgrounds often have poorer starting conditions becausetheir parents are unable to finance the same care and support as wealthier families. The transfer of costs to parents is a clear sign that the state is giving up responsibility for this crucial task and instead shifts the burden to those who already have enough challenges in everyday life to overcome.
The comparison with the GDR
In eastern Germany in particular, many people see today’s conditions as a step backwards, since childcare was free for everyone in the GDR. In the society of that time, it was self-evident that the care of children was considered an integral part of the state mandate. Families were relieved, and the compatibility of work and family was oneof course. Today, on the other hand, parents have to dig deep into their pockets for this basic performance and thus not only experience financial difficulties, but also a feeling of loss of social achievements. The promise of equality and solidarity, which was lived in the GDR, at least in this respect, seems a long way off today.
Effects on labor force participation
The high costs of childcare also have a negative impact on labor force participation, especially mothers. Many women are forced to reduce their working hours or to get out of their professional lives entirely because the high fees are simply not worthwhile. This not only weakens the economic independence of the families, but also has long-termimpact on the skilled labor situation. Instead of promoting and using the potential of parents, especially mothers, they are slowed down by the cost structure of childcare and pushed into financial dependency.
The commercialization of childcare
The increasing commercialization of childcare further exacerbates the problem. Private providers and providers are entering the market, which means that quality and access are increasingly dependent on the parents’ wallets. Pedagogical standards and equal opportunities come under pressure, as economic interests are gaining in importance. Childcare becomes a commoditywhich can no longer afford all of them, instead of a fundamental public task that should be equally accessible to everyone.
A climate of injustice
The high kindergarten contributions create a climate of injustice and alienation. They undermine trust in the state and in the promise of a solidary society in which children are seen as a common task for everyone. Parents feel abandoned while the financial burden continues to increase. The current situation shows how far the policy is from theremoved the needs of families. It is time to treat childcare for what it is: a public task that benefits not only families but society as a whole. Without a fundamental reform, the burden remains on the shoulders of the parents, while social inequality continues to grow and the chances of many children are limited from the start.
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