Doris Bühler-Niederberger, Johanna Mierendorff, Andreas Lange Debates surrounding social issues have increasingly focused on the younger generation, particularly children, for some time now. New courage, developments in the labor market and their consequences, new forms of living, changes in gender roles, migration and cultural diversity, as well as the presumed social consequences of demographic change—all of these are being discussed in terms of their impact on children and childhood. This takes on a particular drama as the "future of society" and demands responses. In this process of political and societal reactions, the aim is, on one hand, to maximize opportunities for children, especially in terms of future prospects, or to create them in the first place. On the other hand, through support, and if necessary, protection and punishment of children, dangers and subsequent costs should be avoided.