Public perception and segmentation of agricultural protests in Germany
Abstract
Abstract Using Germany as a case study, this paper examines public perceptions of agricultural protests across different societal segments. Based on quota-representative survey data from 637 adult individuals collected in 2024, we employ factor and cluster analyses to identify distinct attitude patterns. Our findings reveal four population segments: agricultural skeptics, reform-oriented supporters, critical supporters, and moderate reformers. While farmers' protests generally enjoy high legitimacy compared to other social movements, acceptance varies statistically significantly with protest tactics. Support patterns are primarily shaped by proximity to agriculture and political orientation rather than traditional socio-demographic factors.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
Organic Food and Agriculture
Agricultural Innovations and Practices
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Rural Studies
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 128
- Pages
- 104393–104393
- Publication date
- 2 September 2026
- Language
- EN