Perceptions of Poverty

Abstract Understanding the factors that shape perceptions of poverty is crucial for developing effective policies to reduce income inequality. This chapter examines how social and cultural values, political beliefs, and trust in government influence public attitudes toward poverty and income distribution. The authors apply regression analysis utilizing data from the World Values Survey, which covers 89 countries from 1996 to 2022, to investigate how these elements impact views on income equality and redistribution. Their findings reveal that egalitarian gender norms, higher trust in government, and left-leaning political ideologies strongly predict support for income redistribution. On the contrary, more educated individuals with higher incomes and higher satisfaction with their financial situations tend to favor larger income disparities, reflecting a commitment to meritocratic values. Trust in government is also a critical determinant, where citizens who view their governments as transparent and accountable are more likely to support redistributive policies; conversely, those with low trust in institutions prefer minimal intervention, highlighting the need to build institutional credibility. The study emphasizes the significant impact of cultural norms and political ideologies on perceptions of poverty. Notably, egalitarian gender norms are related to stronger support for income equality, indicating that gender-focused initiatives could enhance social cohesion. Policy recommendations include implementing gender equality programs, strategies to foster public trust in government institutions, and considering cultural and ideological diversity when designing poverty reduction policies. This research enhances an understanding of how entrenched social and cultural factors interact with economic realities, influencing public opinion and guiding policymaking.