Bavaria on the couch

On behalf of Versicherungskammer Bayern, rheingold put the Bavarians on the couch. For its 100th anniversary, the Bavarian municipal insurer wanted to know what makes people in the Free State tick. To this end, rheingold conducted a mentality study based on 144 qualitative in-depth psychological interviews and 1,800 quantitative online interviews throughout Bavaria. The central finding is that Bavarians balance between a proud love of tradition and a constant drive for innovation. This balancing act is at the core of Bavaria's potential and the impetus for its prominent role in the chorus of German states. At the same time, the Bavarian mentality moves in a field of tension consisting of six poles.

1st claim: Bavaria as the measure of all things

"Bavarian citizens consistently feel first among equals," Stephan Grünewald describes the Bavarians' claim to be the measure of all things. A self-confidence that, anchored in the Bavarian mentality, creates a sense of mission and is exemplarily reflected in the club motto "Mia san Mia" of FC Bayern. It unites the Bavarians, makes them proud of themselves and creates an identity-forming sense of belonging.

2. self-sufficient splendor and abundance

They draw their self-confidence from their particularly strong resources. Bavaria has a robust and growing economy, a high level of education, a good infrastructure and is home to the flagship of German soccer. It also boasts a lush natural environment and thriving agriculture. The Free State lacks for nothing. Thus, the people are carried by the conviction that they can live self-sufficiently in splendor and abundance. The Bavarians see their country as a cornucopia of material and immaterial prosperity, which makes it survivable, livable and worth protecting, detached from the outside world.

3. the performance principle: competition, prudence and drive

However, the Bavarian claim is not limited to the existing treasures and the wealth created. The Bavarians strive for more. They are motivated by the ambition to be better than the others. Even within the Free State, the regions compete with each other. "This leads to productive competition, but also carries the risk of overdoing it," Grünewald assesses the drive to achieve. To avoid this, competitive behavior is balanced with prudence and drive. This results in high productivity and innovative spirit.

4. strict order with a sense of proportion

A down-to-earthness that is also reflected in people's feeling and desire to live in "law and order". The clear rules serve internal stability and draw boundaries to the globalized, unhinged outside world. However, the Bavarians maintain a sense of proportion in adhering to their strict order and sanctioning misconduct. They do not fall prey to blind formalism; instead, in the Catholic tradition, "mercy before justice" is sometimes applied.

5. sensual-sociable self-assurance

In the mentality of the Bavarians, traditionally anchored festivals are sources of sensual and sociable self-assurance. Celebrating together creates balance, gives pleasure and is essential for maintaining community spirit. In breweries or at the Oktoberfest, Bavarian traditions are brought to life in convivial and debauched togetherness. Wearing splendid traditional costumes embodies tradition and manifests it in one's self-image. This tradition-conscious conviviality creates Bavarian identity, which serves as an anchor for self-assurance, especially in times of advancing individualization: "where do I come from? Volunteering is one of the manifestations of this deep-seated sense of Bavarian common good.

6. self-confident innovation & integration power

Despite their strong love of tradition, the Bavarians keep their finger on the pulse. Because their courage to be at the forefront of progress meets a foundation of self-confidence. This gives rise to a motivation to innovate, to integrate progress into everyday life and not just to demonstrate it. At the same time, new things must always live up to the Bavarian self-image of 'being the measure of all things'. Accordingly, the demand for innovation and life-improving integration is high.

Conclusion

The Bavarian mentality draws its strength from the balance between the outlined poles. While the power of innovation gives new impetus to tradition, this in turn prevents the country from slipping into a rushed, overwrought economic dynamic. And the strict order demanded is loosened up by the sensual, sociable community. There are clear rules, which are sometimes observed with a blind eye.

First and foremost is the self-confident claim to be the measure of all things. As a leitmotif and an internalized self-image, it is the connecting tightrope between tradition and the future. Its prerequisites are the self-sufficient splendor and abundance of Bavaria as well as the distinctive energy of its people.