The Image of Mobility in Society in 2024

Project description

Since 2019, Professor Dr. Bernd Eisenstein and Professor Dr. Daniela Aidley have been conducting an annual survey on the topic of mobility prestige. This survey is designed to be repeated annually to track how Germans’ attitudes toward the prestige of mobility and frequent travelers change over time. In particular, this comparative survey aims to observe and analyze the phenomenon of “flygskam” (flight shame)—that is, the feelings of guilt or shame associated with air travel—for example, with regard to differences among various demographic groups.
In addition to a set of questions that remains unchanged and is collected annually in a standardized manner, the survey is supplemented with questions about current events that may also influence attitudes toward and perceptions of mobility. For example, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the question of the appropriateness of long-distance travel, the (internal) conflict between attitudes and behavior, and the aspect of the traveler’s individual responsibility gained increased relevance. Similarly, the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the associated ongoing inflation continue to influence Germans’ sense of individual responsibility and spending habits.

The survey results are used, among other things, in several modules of the bachelor’s degree programs in International Tourism Management and Business Psychology.
For example, in the courses “Social Psychology” (3rd semester BA, WiPsy, module no.: 10036) and “Managing Diversity” (5th semester, WiPsy, ITM, etc., module no.: 10369) explore the topics of “environmentally friendly behavior” and “the difference between attitude and behavior,” respectively. To this end, students will, among other things, analyze the results of surveys conducted across various target groups with regard to the implications for the tourism and travel industry in connection with social-psychological effects and, above all, gender-related differences in attitudes and behavior.