Perceptions of inequality and fairness: what has changed over the past 5 years?
The policy brief uses representative data from two Eurobarometer surveys to investigate how perceptions and attitudes towards fairness and inequality have changed over the past five years. In 2022, 81% of EU citizens believe that income inequality is too high. While remaining high, the level of concern about income inequality is slightly lower than in 2017 (85%). Despite the COVID-19 crisis, income inequality concerns decreased for most socio-economic groups. This drop was largest for older individuals and those living in rural areas. In contrast, the perception of life fairness has declined in the past 5 years: the share of individuals agreeing that things that happen in life are fair decreased from 51% in 2017 to 38% in 2022. Fairness perceptions diminished especially among young people and students, but less so among lower-educated individuals and those with financial difficulties. The direct economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic do not seem to be the major cause of the decrease in fairness perceptions. Potential drivers include uncertainties about the future, perceived inequality of opportunity, and discontent with measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
BERLINGIERI Francesco;
CASABIANCA Elizabeth;
D'HOMBRES Beatrice;
KOVACIC Matija;
MAURI Caterina;
NURMINEN Minna;
SCHNEPF Sylke;
STEPANOVA Elena;
2023-02-06
European Commission
JRC131980
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