How does poverty work? Representations and causal attributions for poverty and wealth

This study delves into the causal attributions and perceptions surrounding poverty and wealth, aiming to deepen our understanding of public perceptions and to formulate effective, consensus-driven interventions. Our analysis is based on data gathered from a survey of 2,000 participants across Italy. Utilizing Principal Component Analysis, we identified three distinct categories of attributions for poverty and wealth: internal (focusing on personal effort and abilities), external (attributing to societal and economic factors), and metaphysical (linking to fate or divine will). Subsequent analyses revealed significant associations between these attributions and various socio-economic factors, including income, age, education level, and employment status. Moreover, we explored the relationship between participants’ personal perceptions of poverty and wealth (how they perceive the causes of their own or others’ economic conditions) and their broader attributional style. This approach allowed us to examine the potential connections between individual perceptions and broader socio-economic categories. By analyzing these relationships, our study sheds light on the complex interplay between personal experiences, socio-economic status, and perceptions of economic conditions. These insights are crucial for designing interventions that are not only effective but also resonate with the diverse experiences and perceptions of the population.