Why is Austria so civilized?

Question

There is very little crime, everything works properly, people obey the traffic laws, children are pleasant and respectful, it's almost unreal.

I don't think it's religion, because while Austria is more religious than the UK it is less so than the US. Yet going to either of those countries after visiting Austria is like a visit to the zoo. All that sensuality, aggression, body-pride and body-shame...

I don' t think it's because it's so small (as in "small is beautiful") because Ireland is also small, yet Ireland is more like the UK and the US.

Is it because Austrians are not allowed to beat their children, so you don't get that culture of violence? Or because the schools are better? Or because of the social safety net? Or are there ethnic reasons? Or because "high culture" is more prevalent than "mass culture" in Austria.? Or because the default value is order (rather than freedom in the Anglo-Saxon countries)?

A lot of this could also be applied to Scandanavia as well.

Em please read questions carefully and don't make assumptions about where people are coming from. I am not Austrian. I did not say there is no crime in Austria. And I am aware (a) that there was a holocaust and that (b) people have been punished for denying it.

Answer 1

You just have to be joking!!!

No better no worse than most European countries. Blowing your own trumpet is only done as a propaganda weapon and you only need to do that if you have an inferiority complex!!!

Well apart from the fact it has an awful lot of Nazi sympathisers and right wing extremists. Say what you will the world still has a watchful eye on Austria!!!

Answer 2

To a certain extent Austria is quite civilized. The church played a role in forming the respect for others. There is the typical germanic desire for order and cleanlyness here too. Crime rates are low here but there are robberies and break ins as well. The violent crime involving teens is on the rise here just like in Germany and other European countries but not near the likes of the USA. Austrians (as well as many other nations) are not allowed to beat their children but there is still a spare the rod and spoil the child mentality here too. The "high culture" is prevalent here and is constantly being practiced (concert music, opera, theater and the traditional music) and does add a fine touch to the country. There is a slow advance of mass culture making its way into the European life style. (shopping malls, fastfood and mass cosumption) Austrian is in the middle of this "culture shift" too. Austrian is a very modern country. It has devoloped many renovative products and technologies. Thank god there is also a culture of preserving the old ways and people are involved in organic farming and are sceptical of big business agriculture(gene munipulation). The social system is very good in Austria. I think that with the higher taxes, you buy a good standard of living for all. I am an American and have been living in Austria for 17 years. I could only dream of the benifits the people get here as an American!!! (€379.-- tuition for University, free health care, perscription drugs €4.50 per Med., 5 weeks vacation a year, finacial assistance for first time home buyers etc....). When the government looks after its citizens and they feel secure, they can develop and prosper without fear.
Austria is not perfect, but it is a good country to live in!

Answer 3

So I wonder what caused a group of AUSTRIAN Nurses to kill 23 patients over a number of years in a old folks nursing home??

There is crime in Austria commited by Austrians.

There are social problems in Austria,
and there are Prisons in Austria with Austrian inmates.

Answer 4

true = once u reach a certain level of devt, your stomach is filled with more than enough, we start going for the higher level of sublimity!
just some observation - in the 1980s i was there, probably they were still reaching tt lvl - a spoke to a street vendor selling hot dogs how much he earns - he said enough to keep going and at nights he works in a bar to supplement his income.
i'm not white - went to a supermart - lady cashier - stocky in the 50s was not polite at all!
country is beautiful, much cleaner than other european cities. airport staff were very friendly. and if u take the train to the outskirts of vienna - its more charming!
if only nations will strive to that level

Answer 5

Your perceptions of Austria and Scandinavia seem somewhat skewed by your personal experiences.

You may be right. However, I disagree with your premise. Therefore, I cannot justify it in any manner.

Answer 6

wow , good to right here that...inhabitants could be.... using fact the place I stay , i do no longer even feeling choose for to greet some one that I met interior the line..that lots crowded.. like in case you meet some one in a distant jungle..of direction you will greet him. and characteristic few words.

Answer 7

hmmmm ! don't they also put people in gaol for passing politically incorrect opinions and fine them who was that guy they put in the slammer for three years for denying the allegation of the Holocaust