2001-06-20-皮尤-Economic_Inequality_Seen_As_Rising,_Boom_Bypasses_Poor_43页_382kb

Summary of the Pew Research Center Survey on Economic Outlook (June 2001)

Core Content

The Pew Research Center survey conducted in June 2001 highlights a growing perception of economic inequality in the United States, with significant disparities in financial well-being across income levels. The survey includes data from a nationwide sample of 1,200 adults, revealing how different groups experience economic challenges and their views on the financial state of the nation.

Main Findings

Economic Inequality

• A record 44% of Americans believe the country is divided between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots', up from 26% in 1988.
• The poor have seen only marginal improvements in financial well-being over the past decade.
• Middle- and upper-income Americans have significantly improved their financial status.

Deprivation and Financial Struggles

• Deprivation — not having enough money for basic needs — remains widespread, with 16% unable to afford food, 21% for clothing, and 27% for health care.
• These rates are similar to those from the 1970s and 1980s.
• Lower-income households, particularly those earning under $30,000, are more likely to struggle with utility bills and gasoline costs.
• "Struggling families" are more likely to face multiple financial hardships: 82% of these households report difficulty affording two or more items, compared to only 11% of professional/business households.

Consumer Debt

• The proportion of Americans who owe more than they can afford has increased, with 28% now in this situation (up from 21% in 1992).
• Lower-income households are disproportionately affected, with 38% of those under $30,000 and 31% of middle-income households (earning $30,000–$50,000) feeling overextended.
• Women, minorities, and younger people with modest incomes are more likely to feel the burden of debt.

Financial Outlook and Confidence

• Despite the economic downturn, 63% of Americans believe their financial situation will improve over the next year, with the most optimism among the wealthy and young.
• The proportion of Americans who rate their financial condition as excellent or good has dropped from 52% in 2000 to 44% in 2001.
• Lower-income groups are more pessimistic, with 55% rating their financial situation as fair or poor.

Perception of the Economy

• Income level strongly influences economic perceptions. Lower-income Americans are more likely to see rising prices, fewer jobs, and a weaker business climate.
• 63% of Americans believe prices have gone up a lot over the last five years, with the highest percentage among those earning under $30,000 (75%).
• Women are more sensitive to inflation than men, with 80% of those in households earning under $30,000 per year perceiving high inflation.

Job Market and Business Climate

• The job market has improved for higher-income groups, with 61% of those earning $75,000 or more saying jobs are plentiful.
• Only 30% of those with incomes under $30,000 believe jobs are easy to find.
• The business climate is viewed as only fair or poor by most, with 51% rating it as such. However, affluent Americans are more optimistic, with nearly two-thirds (65%) seeing business conditions as excellent or good.

Impact of the Market Downturn

• The stock market decline has had a greater impact on non-stock owners than on investors.
• 48% of non-stock owners have cut back on vacation spending due to the slowing economy, compared to 30% of stock owners.
• Only 25% of investors have adjusted their retirement plans, while 21% of non-investors have done so due to economic conditions.

Economic Knowledge

• The public is generally aware of economic issues that directly affect them but lacks understanding of more complex economic concepts.
• This gap in knowledge is reflected in the survey's finding that "Public Gets C in Economics 101."

Key Information

• Financial Concerns: 62% of Americans cite financial concerns as their biggest problem, with 26% specifically mentioning not having enough money to make ends meet.
• Energy Costs: Rising energy costs are a top concern, with 49% of those earning under $30,000 recalling not having enough money for gasoline.
• Debt and Affordability: Consumer debt has increased, with the poor and middle-income groups feeling the brunt of it.
• Economic Stratification: There is a growing divide between the wealthy and the poor in terms of financial satisfaction and ability to afford necessities and luxuries.
• Political Perception: President George W. Bush is perceived as favoring the wealthy, with 43% of Americans thinking he is mostly concerned about helping the 'haves', compared to 49% who thought Reagan was in 1988.
• Regional Differences: Housing affordability is more of a concern in the West, with 54% of Westerners saying it is not affordable, compared to 13% in the East.

Conclusion

The survey underscores a significant shift in the American economic landscape, marked by rising inequality, persistent financial struggles for lower-income groups, and a growing awareness of economic issues that affect daily life. While the majority of the public remains optimistic about the future, the current economic climate is seen as more challenging by those at the lower end of the income spectrum.