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Knowledge and Attitudes on the Subject of Forced Labor
09/20/2010
The extent of forced labor under National Socialism is underestimated by most Germans. This was the outcome of a recent survey. There is, however, a strong interest in this theme – particularly among young people.
Knowledge of and attitudes toward the subject of Nazi forced labor in different age groups – this was the focus of a representative survey by infratest dimap on behalf of the Foundation “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future” (Stiftung EVZ) from March 2010 and first published in September 2010. A total of 1,200 people took part in the survey, including 200 younger people (aged 14 – 19) and 200 older people, who, over the age of 75, may still have memories of forced laborers in their personal environment during National Socialism.
Most Germans underestimate the extent of forced labor under the National Socialist regime. Only one fifth (19 %) are aware that over 13 million people were forced to work under the Third Reich between 1939 and 1945.
Young people show an unexpected degree of interest in the theme: Although about two thirds (59 %) state there is no memory of forced labor under National Socialism in their own environment, 80 % of young people said they find this issue interesting or very interesting. Only a quarter (28 %) has studied this theme in depth at school.
The educational materials "Life Story Interviews in the Classroom” of the digital interview archive "Forced Labor 1939-1945. Memory and History” aim to anchor the theme of Nazi forced labor in the history classroom and encourage the use of the online archive. A multimedia kit (DVD, learning software and teachers’ book) will soon be available through the program of the Federal Agency for Civic Education.
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