One of the main theses of the Marienthal study was that prolonged unemployment leads to a state of apathy in which the victims do not utilize any longer even the few opportunities left to them. The vicious cycle between reduced opportunities and reduced level of aspiration has remained the focus of all subsequent discussions.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Franziska WalserRuth Weiss | Ruth Weiss |
 Nicolas BriegerRobert Bergheim | Robert Bergheim |
 Johann NikolussiKurt Schrader | Kurt Schrader |
| SStefan SuskePhilipp Strauss | Philipp Strauss |
 August SchmölzerJindracek | Jindracek |
| BBernd SpitzerFranz Wimmer | Franz Wimmer |
| KKarina ThayenthalArbeitslose | Arbeitslose |
 Maria PerschyMrs. Strauß | Mrs. Strauß |
| HHermann SchmidKarl Uferer | Karl Uferer |