Does Inequality Matter?
How People Perceive Economic Disparities and Social Mobility
The recovery after the COVID-19 crisis requires policies and reforms that tackle inequalities
and promote equal opportunities. However, the implementation of such reforms requires
widespread support from the public. To better understand what factors drive public
support, this report provides a detailed cross-country analysis of people’s perceptions
of and concern over inequality. It documents how concern over income disparities has
risen in OECD countries over the long run. Nowadays, in most countries a large majority
of the population believes that income disparities are too large and that intergenerational
mobility is low. Yet, sufficient support for inequality-reducing policies may fail
to arise if people do not agree on concrete policy options, or doubt the effectiveness
of such policies. Moreover, even when the majority demands more equality, a divided
public opinion can complicate the introduction of reforms. The report highlights how
people within the same country are often divided as to the extent of inequality and
what should be done to address this challenge. The report illustrates how the findings
from analysis of perceptions and concerns can serve to inform policy making.
Published on November 18, 2021Also available in: French