Globally, 60% Blame Political Influence Of The Rich As A Key Driver Of Inequality

As many countries face increased political tensions and economic struggles, one survey brings to light a belief that many throughout the world hold: the wealthy have too much political power. A recent Pew Research Center survey of 36 nations reveals that a majority of people find a connection between wealth and politics as a significant driver of economic disparity. 

Economic Inequality Is A Widespread Concern

According to the survey, a median of 54% of adults across the countries polled see the wealth gap as a very big problem, while an additional 30% consider the issue moderately big. There is also a wide demand for economic reform, with majorities in 33 of the 36 countries stating that their economic systems need a complete overhaul. 

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Regions where these views resonate more strongly include middle-income countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East-North African region. Wealthier nations are not immune though, either. In Europe, 60% of adults surveyed support major economic reforms in their countries, and in the U.S., 66% agree that economic changes need to be made. 

Political Influence of the Wealthy

The survey asked respondents what they believe causes economic inequality. Respondents entered how much they believed the following six factors contributed: 

1. Rich people have too much political influence
2. Problems with our education system
3. That some people work harder than others
4. That some people are born with more opportunities than others
5. Robots and computers doing work previously done by humans
6. Discrimination against racial or ethnic minorities

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An overwhelming 86% said agreed that the wealthy having too much political influence is a big contributing factor–with 60% saying this leads to economic inequality "a great deal" and 26% saying this leads to economic equality "a fair amount" in their country. 

Political Divides on Inequality

The perception of economic inequality varies based on political ideology. While concerns about inequality are common across the political spectrum, the survey shows that those on the ideological left are more likely to see it as a very big problem. This divide is particularly evident in the United States, where 76% of liberals say economic inequality is a major issue, compared to just 30% of conservatives—a 46-percentage-point gap, the largest of any country surveyed.

Similarly, those on the left are more likely to attribute inequality to the political influence of the wealthy, systemic discrimination, and disparities in opportunities at birth. Conservatives, on the other hand, tend to place more emphasis on personal effort and economic systems rather than political interference.

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The Call for Change

Given the widespread concern about economic inequality, the demand for major reforms continues to grow. While opinions differ on the causes and solutions, the data suggests that people around the world see the connection between wealth and political power as a significant issue. As nations grapple with economic disparities, addressing political influence and structural barriers could be key to creating a more equitable future.

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