The debate on the welfare state and social policy is characterized by a long series of myths and half-truths: the social gap is widening or the middle class is shrinking continuously. Other narratives are being put in place to dismantle the welfare state: the welfare state is exploding unchecked, it is destroying the private willingness to help. Social myths are harmful. They paint a picture of decline that does not do justice to the social situation in Germany. And they stand in the way of a debate on how to design a welfare state that is more effective and citizen-friendly. Georg Cremer has been an important voice in the debate about the German welfare state for decades. He deciphers myths and half-truths, shows facts and presents reform proposals for more justice without piling up new mountains of debt. Biography