Study on the psychology of the Altenessen district

With its vibrancy, the Altenessen district exerts a high potential for fascination that is, however, challenged by numerous difficulties. Overall, the pride of the people of Altenessen is fed by their desire to achieve social advancement, a raw warmth and a can-do mentality - regardless of origin. However, the feeling of growing insecurity and crumbling infrastructure threaten the multicultural community of destiny and thus also the dream of personal happiness. These are the key findings of an in-depth psychological study by the rheingold Institute in Cologne, which has worked with the Altenessen Conference (AEK) and Essen Marketing GmbH (EMG) to develop solutions for improving the district's image.

Here you can see a video of the digital study presentation

"What was particularly noticeable among the people in Altenessen was a high level of commitment, combined with pride in getting things moving themselves. These are the best prerequisites for creating identification and a sense of community," says psychologist and study director Sebastian Buggert

Fascination Altenessen

Altenessen can be described as a world on two levels. On the one hand, the district and its surroundings have a high potential for fascination. This is fed by factual advantages such as a good location, affordable housing and good infrastructure, a relaxed attitude to life where you can be who you are and the resulting liveliness. This is the source of hope for the good.

High level of commitment

The study shows a strong emotional attachment to Altenessen, characterized by pride and positive memories. A frequently expressed nostalgia for the Ruhr area, which is currently threatened by "decline", was also striking. At the same time, worries and fears are growing, particularly due to factors such as neglect, division and alienation. An aggressive mood was often described and the observation that lived diversity has turned into division.
However, a sometimes very negative image was counteracted by positive surprises during site visits.

Shady sides

The overall positive feeling is challenged by factual disadvantages such as a crumbling infrastructure due to a renovation backlog, a lack of investment and the resulting impression of a lack of cleanliness. On an interpersonal level, there are complaints of dwindling cooperation, an increasing lack of respect in dealings and the resulting alienation. This feeling is accompanied by increasing insecurity due to a perceived rise in crime, violence and drugs.

The great longing for a change for the better

The pride of the people of Altenessen stems from their desire to achieve social advancement. Here you can find the best possible starting opportunities, you can "play liberated". A close-knit community with a sense of destiny, united by a rough-hewn cordiality and a "go-getter" mentality that forges its own happiness - regardless of origin! However, the feeling of growing insecurity threatens the community of destiny and with it the dream of personal happiness.

"Everyone has to make an effort"

The citizens of Altenessen want their dream to be preserved. This requires changes in several fields of action. Public spaces need more care. Homeowners are called upon to renovate their buildings and properties and keep them clean, while the city should ensure that public spaces are attractive and liveable. As the largest district in the city, Altenessen demands recognition and appreciation from the city and urban society. The "liberated play" must be protected. Compliance with rules by the regulatory authorities is expected. The rules for coexistence must be communicated and monitored more closely. Foreign infiltration must be countered by a new "WE" that emphasizes commonalities.

Background and further procedure:

The Altenessen Conference (AEK) has been dealing with the topic of image for 10 years. The conference is an open forum for the public exchange of opinions for the districts of Altenessen, Karnap and Vogelheim. It is organized by the two Christian churches, IG Altenessen and the Essen Association of Immigrant Associations. Together with Essen Marketing GmbH (EMG), the Cologne-based rheingold Institute was commissioned to conduct an image analysis, which was presented at the Altenessen Conference in April 2024.

About the study design:

In the qualitative in-depth psychological rheingold study, 36 citizens from the districts of AEK, Altendorf, Borbeck, Frintrop and Rüttenscheid were interviewed for two hours. One third of the interviewees had German, dual or no German citizenship, 18 men and 18 women each, divided equally into two age groups between 18 and 40 and 41 and 65. Half of the interviews were conducted via video conference, while the other half met with one of the interviewers for a walk around the district.