Perceptions Of Inequality Research Articles

Perceptions of inequality and loneliness as drivers of social unraveling: Evidence from South Korea.

This study investigates the relationship between perceptions of inequality, feelings of loneliness, and societal fragmentation in South Korea, focusing on their interconnected dynamics. The research emphasizes the social contexts in which loneliness emerges and exerts its influence. In the first phase, path analysis is employed to examine how perceived inequality contributes to societal fragmentation-manifested through disbelief, exploitation, and indifference-with loneliness serving as a mediating factor. The findings reveal a significant link between perceived inequality and loneliness, which, in turn, undermines social cohesion. The second phase delves deeper into this relationship by analyzing each regression model, further substantiating the connection between perceived inequality and loneliness and its role in shaping perceptions of societal fragmentation. In an era marked by rising economic inequality and democratic erosion, loneliness extends beyond an individual concern, posing broader implications for societal emotional health. The study underscores the urgent need for interventions aimed at reducing economic inequality and addressing loneliness to promote more cohesive societies.

Inequalities in education in the COVID-19 pandemic: health and education professionals’ perspectives

Abstract Background Cycles of school closure and reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with remote learning, led to concerns about increasing inequality in education that persist in 2024. The aim of this abstract, within a wider study of safe school reopening, is to explore health and education professionals’ perceptions of inequalities among students during the pandemic. Methods In 2021, online semi-structured interviews were conducted in 6 languages with education and health professionals. They explored the: 1-effect of the pandemic on schools/pupils/teachers; 2-reorganisation of schools; 3-experience of implementing infection control measures in schools; 4-intersectoral working; 5-important resources for keeping schools open. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English where needed. A deductive qualitative analysis was undertaken using the conceptual framework developed by the United Nations H6+ Technical Working Group on Adolescent Health and Well-Being. Domain 3 (safety and supportive environment) includes consideration of equality. Results 62 interviews were included in the analysis (22 health and 40 education professionals from 28 countries). Professionals perceived greater negative impact on education for specific groups of students. Those with chronic illness stayed out of school for longer than others. Good access to distance learning was difficult for students from rural areas (lack of internet/electricity), disadvantaged families (lack of electronic equipment) or larger families (less learning space at home). Conclusions Professionals perceived that school closures intensified the disadvantage experienced by certain groups of students, exacerbating inequalities in education. Targeted catch-up strategies are still needed. Key messages • School closure during the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated inequalities in education. • In future health crisis impacting schooling, targeted catch-up strategies would be needed for certain groups of students.

Opportunity's Calling: Perceived Inequality and Causal Beliefs About Socioeconomic Status Linked to Civic Engagement

ABSTRACTAlthough objective states of inequality often stifle civic engagement, subjective perceptions of inequality can stimulate it. Across two studies using a nationally representative US sample (Study 1, n = 1053) and a US university student sample (Study 2, n = 604), we found that the perception of inequality was positively associated with civic engagement. We further explored the mediating pathways linking this association. We found that perceived inequality is positively associated with the belief that socioeconomic status (SES) is attained through opportunity (e.g., social connections). In turn, opportunity belief was negatively associated with acceptance of inequality which was likewise negatively correlated with civic engagement. Our findings suggest opportunity belief may be a key mechanism activated by perceived inequality that links it to civic engagement. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

What Are the Differences in Perception of Gender Disparities in Academia? A Survey of Academics from Russia

This study examines the perception of gender issues in academia in the Russian context. Specifically, the paper aims to reveal the criteria due to which academics might perceive gender-related problems in academia in different ways. The research was conducted among 901 men and women academics with Russian affiliation. The survey was presented as a 20-item anonymous online questionnaire with five major blocks, covering up various gender-related topics. By surveying men and women academics from the Russian academic environment, it reveals that most academics, in their perception, had never experienced gender inequality in the current workplaces. However, for those with such experience, the share of all given gender disparities women academics has ever encountered during their academic career is higher compared to men. The most common gender disparities, namely low chances for career promotion and barriers from rising to senior-level positions reflect career promotion gaps relevant for both men and women academics. The results also demonstrate that gender inequality is mostly not considered as a problem of academic environment but rather a social issue. In particular, most men academics and, to a lesser extent, women academics strongly disagree with considering gender inequality as the academic problem. The paper provides an example for addressing gender disparities issues for men and women academics and assessing perception of gender inequality and, conversely, equality.

Intergovernmental discontent in rural areas: A perspective from local councils in Spain during the Great Recession

Left-behind places have gained attention during the last years and among those, particular attention has been paid to rural areas, where discontent finds anchor in an articulated narrative of distinctiveness that separates rural and urban, and on which populist parties would have tapped. Thus, rural discontent can be considered a specific expression of disaffection of left-behind places, shaped and characterised by the processes and narratives that are particular to rural areas. Understanding the social justice structure of the discontent is essential to identify the critical elements contributing to a revival of rural-urban cleavages and rethink the development paths in rural areas that feel left behind.To advance on the qualitative understanding of the configuration of the left-behind places, this contribution explores discontent among rural mayors in a Spanish region -Valencia- during the Great Recession. Building on qualitative evidence and using a social justice approach, the presentation will explore the institutional factors driving rural discontent. The results describe the emergence of rural discontent rooted in perceptions of intergovernmental inequality upon redistribution, recognition and representation issues that are shaped by demographic, political and environmental features of rurality.

Factors Impacting Perceptions of Gender Inequality in the Spanish Society

This study uses Ordinary Least Squares Multiple Regression with data on perceptions regarding gender equality from the Spanish general population. Overall, the results indicate that perceptions of equal treatment under the law and equality in political life are significantly associated with perceptions of gender equality. However, perceptions of discrimination in education do not seem to affect perceptions of gender equality significantly. In addition, the results show a clear association between the belief that gender equality leads to a fairer society and the perception of gender equality itself. Results also suggest that while certain perceptions related to the law, society, and political life are instrumental in shaping views on gender inequality, there remains a foundational level of perceived inequality in Spanish society. As a concluding remark, when examining the impact of female representation in leadership positions, the results provide empirical support that the presence of women in leadership positions improves the perception of gender equity in the contexts in which it occurs; this fact reflects the importance of promoting the participation of women in management positions through public policies.

Through the eyes of my peers: Sharing perceptions of unequal treatment in ethno-racially diverse classrooms.

Perceptions of unequal treatment, especially when shared, can challenge the status-quo. Starting from the social grounding of shared perceptions, we ask when perceptions of inequality align and converge in ethno-racially diverse peer groups. We are especially interested when perceptions are shared among peers across ethno-racial group boundaries. Social-psychological research suggests asymmetric sharing: Ethno-racial minority group members often see less inequality with more majority contact, while in some cases ethno-racial majority members perceive more inequality with more minority contact. Therefore, we ask if perceptions of inequality are shared across minority and majority groups within time and if perceptions of inequality converge over time. We focus on schools as sites of inequality and cross-group interactions. First, we tested our predictions with 290 minority and 468 majority youth in 53 classes in the United States using multilevel modelling. Next, we implemented follow-up studies in Belgium with 1,800 minority and 1,700 majority adolescents in 433 classes using longitudinal multilevel models. In line with intragroup sharing, minority and majority youth shared their minority and majority peers' perceptions of inequality, respectively. Furthermore, we documented cross-group sharing: Majority youth also shared their minority peers' perceptions, especially in contexts with higher minority proportions. We found consistent evidence of sharing minority perceptions, so that both majority and minority youth would see inequality through their minority peers' eyes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Inequality perception and preferences globally and locally - correlational evidence from a large-scale cross-country survey

Inequality perception and preferences globally and locally - correlational evidence from a large-scale cross-country survey

The moderating role of government heuristics in public preferences for redistribution

A theory of rational attitude formation suggests public perceptions that income differences are too large should lead to demands for income redistribution. Public opinion scientists irregularly observe this at best. It is possible that the instruments we use to observe support for income redistribution are ineffective. We suggest at least part of the inconsistently observed linkages are due to unobserved confounding of government heuristics. We hypothesize that government affect provides a heuristic cue for survey respondents to answer questions on their preference for the government engaging in income redistribution. The greater the valence or quantity of reasons for a survey respondent to have negative government affect, the more perceptions of inequality and support for redistribution are decoupled and apparently inconsistent. To test this, we measured government affect at the country-time level using trust, corruption perceptions, and economic performance. We executed tests of moderation using slopes-as-outcomes regressions with ISSP data from 36 countries in 102 country-time points. Given the difficulty in fitting complex theories of society and politics into a limited number of macro-comparative cases, we ran a multiverse analysis of alternatively plausible models. There is a consistent negative moderation effect across models suggesting that our theory of government affect as opinion expression on a survey is worthy of further consideration. The findings also suggest more qualitative cognitive survey interviews to better understand this process.

Trust and needles: how perceptions of inequality shape vaccination in South Korea

This study investigates the influence of perceived inequality on vaccination behaviors within the social context of South Korea. It explores how perceptions of inequality affect trust in science and society, subsequently impacting vaccination behaviors. The first analysis utilizes path analysis to identify both direct and indirect effects of perceived inequality on COVID-19 vaccine-related attitudes, mediated by trust in science and society. This provides foundational insights into these relationships at the individual level. The second analysis expands the scope to district-level data, analyzing influenza vaccination records from 2015 to 2021 to validate and enhance the initial findings. These results suggest that the public uses perceptions of inequality and regional economic disparity as heuristics in vaccination decisions. This study contributes to academic discourse by elucidating factors influencing vaccination behavior. It highlights the critical role of subjective sense of inequality in shaping public health policy, especially in response to emerging infectious diseases and future pandemics.

Exploring the moderating effect of organisational climate on organisational justice and employees’ commitment in selected Nigerian banking sectors

Organisations are currently facing challenges due to internationalization and fundamental shifts in industries worldwide. The Nigerian banking sector is experiencing exceptional difficulties and competitive forces such as the issue of managerial decisions, perceptions of inequality, unfair treatment and a poor connection between individuals and their work environment. As a result, this study aims to acquire improved knowledge of how organisational justice and climate variables influence employee engagement in this industry. This investigation took a descriptive research technique. There were 361 questionnaires issued but only 332 were returned. 91.97% of the questionnaires examined were returned which is considered satisfactory for this study. Descriptive statistics were analysed using Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) while inferential statistics were used to evaluate the generated hypothesis using SEM-PLS. The findings showed that organisational climate does not moderate the relationship between organisational justice and employees' commitment but organisational justice has a direct relationship with employees' commitment. It can be concluded that organisational climate does not moderate the relationship between organisational justice and employees' commitment. Organisational stakeholders should make informed choices and implement successful strategies to improve employee well-being and organisational outcomes by understanding the relationship between organisational justice and employees' commitment.

Gender Equity Perceptions Among Social and Administrative Sciences Pharmacy Faculty: An AACP-APhA Task Force Report

ObjectiveThe American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences Section and the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section formed a Gender Equity Task Force to determine if there is evidence to suggest that there is gender disparity in pay; responsibilities; treatment by peers/colleagues, students, and administration; leadership opportunities; and rank, tenure status, and career advancement for Section members; and to develop recommendations to address existing disparities. MethodsA Qualtrics survey was emailed in December 2020 to all American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Social and Administrative Sciences and American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science’s Economic, Social and Administrative Sciences Section members. The questionnaire included items regarding favorability toward men or women in various academic domains (research, teaching, service, recruitment, mentoring, and advancement). Participants were asked if they had experienced gender inequity, and if so, at what type of institution and academic rank. The χ2 tests of independence and post hoc comparisons were used to assess item responses according to gender. ResultsOf the respondents, 72% indicated that they had experienced gender inequity. Women and persons of color were more likely to do so. Women commonly reported that men received more favorable treatment in nearly all academic domains, whereas men reported that women and men were treated equally. ConclusionPharmacy faculty specializing in social and administrative sciences reported experiences of gender inequity and perceptions of gender inequity. Perception gaps existed between male and female faculty in numerous academic domains. Colleges and schools of pharmacy should increase awareness of, and strive to self-assess, gender inequity in their institutions.

Analysis of green technology usage and inequality reduction related to climate change adaptation

The purpose of this study is to analyze issues related to the use of green technology and to provide a theoretical basis for how the application of green technology in agriculture can reduce inequality. Additionally, the study aims to explore policy alternatives based on the analysis of inequality reduction issues through farmer surveys. For this purpose, this study used survey data to analyze farmers’ perceptions, acceptance status, willingness to accept green technology, and perceptions of inequality. The quantitative analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between the acceptance of green technology and perceptions of inequality. The results confirmed that access to information, perception of climate change, and awareness of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are major factors. In particular, the higher the satisfaction with policies regarding the introduction of green technology, the lower the perception of inequality. Specifically, the acceptance of green technology showed a significant positive correlation with access to information, perception of climate change, and awareness of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while perceptions of inequality showed a significant negative correlation with policy satisfaction. In conclusion, green technology in agriculture is vital for reducing climate change damage and inequality. However, targeted policy support for small-scale farmers is essential for successful adoption. This study provides policy implications related to the application of green technology in the agricultural sector, which can promote sustainable agricultural development.

Subnational Differences in Inequality Perceptions and Demand for Redistribution in Russia

The article presents the results of inequality perception assessment for the Russian macro-regions (Federal districts) and the demand for redistribution in the context of gender, age, and socio-economic characteristics. The assessment is based on data from the eighth wave of the European Social Survey (2016). The findings show that people in the Central Federal District were more accepting of inequality, while those from Siberia and the Far East were less tolerant. The perception of inequality plays a significant role in shaping the demand for policies aimed at reducing inequality (redistributive policies). Macro-regions fall into three clusters: 1) a cluster with a high tolerance for inequality and a moderate demand for redistribution (southern Russia, central regions, and the North Caucasus), 2) regions with an average tolerance and moderate demand (the Volga region and the North-West), 3) regions with a low tolerance and high demand (Siberia and the Far East). The results of the study confirm that there is interregional differentiation in the assessments of the importance of social equality and justice, as well as in the demand for redistribution within the regions of the Russian Federation. These differences can contribute to increased interregional disparity, reduced investment attractiveness for regions, and an increase in the concentration and centralization of resources in specific territories, potentially harming uniform spatial development efforts.

Happy People in Russia: The Role of Economic and Social Capital

Amid conditions of global instability in recent years, approximately one-tenth of the residents of Russia consistently report high levels of subjective well-being. The aim of this article is to analyze the socio-demographic characteristics of the “happy and satisfied” segment of Russians and the influence of economic and social capital on their high level of affective and cognitive components of subjective well-being. This study is based on data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey – Higher School of Economics (RLMS-HSE), with surveys conducted from 2016 to 2020. For the purposes of analysis, a stable segment of "fully satisfied with life" and "very happy" Russians (10–12% of 5–6 thousand respondents annually) was selected from the sample array. Economic capital in the study is measured through indicators such as absolute income, assessment of material well-being and remuneration, and perception of economic inequality, while social capital is measured through the structure, intensity, and quality of social connections and the nature of group identity. The analysis of the empirical data shows that people who are fully satisfied with life and happy are aged 25–34, married, have children, and possess average incomes. Low incomes are associated with subjective disadvantage, but for maximum happiness and life satisfaction, it is quite enough to have an average income level. Additionally, the cognitive component of subjective well-being assessments is more related to material and financial factors than the affective component. It is demonstrated that high levels of subjective well-being are more influenced by parameters of social, rather than economic, capital. Representatives of the predominantly happy segment of Russians communicate more frequently with family members and friends, care for young children or grandchildren, and feel a sense of belonging to broader social communities (professional, national, or territorial).

Conspiracy Beliefs and the Perception of Intergroup Inequalities.

Conspiracy beliefs are prevalent among members of disadvantaged groups. Adopting a social identity perspective, we hypothesized that these beliefs would reduce the endorsement of internal attributions for inequalities that could negatively affect the image of disadvantaged ingroups. In Study 1 (n = 1,104), conspiracy mentality was negatively associated with meritocracy beliefs, which attribute success and failure to internal factors. In Studies 2 to 5 (ns = 179, 251, 221, 248), taking the perspective of a person exhibiting a high (vs. low) conspiracy mentality in a fictitious context reduced participants' meritocracy beliefs, internal attributions for a privileged outgroup's situation, and fostered negative attitudes toward the outgroup. However, it did not reduce internal attributions for the situation of a disadvantaged ingroup, nor did it improve attitudes toward the ingroup. Regarding intergroup comparison, conspiracy mentality seems to primarily deteriorate the perception of privileged outgroups rather than improve the perception of disadvantaged ingroups.

Богатые, бедные и справедливое неравенство

Social inequality is a phenomenon that is ambivalent in its consequences. On the one hand, social inequality stimulates creative and entrepreneurial activity; on the other hand, it provokes social discontent. At the same time, the attitude towards inequality that has developed in the society is of particular importance. Perception of inequality as unfair is fraught with delegitimization of the upper class, loss of social trust between strata, and anomie. The article attempts to answer the following questions: what type of inequality do Russians agree to consider fair, what methods of enrichment and social ascent are legitimized by public consciousness? Empirically, the study is based on a series of focus groups conducted by the authors in 2013 and 2023. The study found that in modern Russia, the majority of the population criminalizes wealth, regardless of its origin, considering it “dishonest”. In the eyes of Russians, only those who serve their country, provide noble help to people and, finally, possess great talent, which is used for the benefit of everyone, are entitled to receive high income. The mass consciousness rejects the idea of inheriting status and capital, which is manifested, in particular, in a very critical attitude towards the generation of children of the post-Soviet elite. The study showed that the Russians’ dream fair society is radically different from the existing one. At the same time, the authors documented a trend towards an increase in social pessimism associated with a feeling of injustice of the socio-economic system based on the cult of money, and an increase in anomie, corroding the body of society.

The mediating role of attributions of poverty and wealth in the relationship between perceptions of economic inequality and redistribution preferences

ABSTRACT Previous research has identified that the relationship between perceived economic inequality and supporting redistribution is mediated by beliefs about what causes poverty. Despite its usefulness, this approach has failed to recognize the role of perceived causes of wealth in explaining the relationship between these two variables. We conducted correlational (N = 523) and experimental (N = 226) studies, demonstrating that in contexts with high inequality, attributing poverty and wealth primarily to external factors resulted in greater support for redistribution. Furthermore, the attributions that served as mediators varied depending on the proposed redistributive measure. We delve into the significance of wealth attributional processes in understanding attitudes toward redistribution.

A Research Plan for Pupils’ Global Understanding about Educational Inequality in the UK

This paper delves into the UK primary school pupils' initial perceptions of global educational inequality. It aims to assess their comprehension of 'education,' 'inequality,' and 'educational inequality,' and to determine their ability to identify educational resources, which are key to addressing the unfair distribution of educational opportunities highlighted by Banzragch et al. (2019). The study seeks to uncover the pupils' awareness of these concepts, which is crucial for understanding their views on educational disparities.

Underestimation of personal carbon footprint inequality in four diverse countries

Extensive research highlights global and within-country inequality in personal carbon footprints. However, the extent to which people are aware of these inequalities remains unclear. Here we use an online survey distributed across four diverse countries: Denmark, India, Nigeria and the USA, to show widespread underestimation of carbon footprint inequality, irrespective of participants’ country and income segment. Of the 4,003 participants, within each country, 50% of participants were sampled from the top 10% income group. Our results show links between carbon footprint inequality perceptions and climate policy support, but with significant variations observed across the four countries and with participants’ income segments. Furthermore, there are links to the perceived fairness of actual carbon footprint inequality, highlighting the need to raise awareness about carbon footprint inequality and further unpack its implications for climate justice and policy.