2014-10-08-皮尤-Global_Views_of_Economic_Opportunity_and_Inequality_51页_1mb

The report compares public opinions on opportunity, inequality, and success factors across 44 countries, based on surveys involving 48,643 adults. Key findings include:

1. Future Economic Prospects by Income Group:

   • Optimism Gap: Emerging and developing nations express more optimism about their children's economic future (median 50%) compared to advanced economies (median 65% pessimism). Countries with recent economic growth (e.g., China at 85% optimistic) show higher optimism, while those with economic contraction (e.g., Italy at 15%) express less.

2. Keys to Success:

   • Global Consensus: A good education (60% rated "very important") and hard work (50%) are most commonly cited as crucial for advancement.
   • Regional Variations: In emerging economies, education is paramount (e.g., 86% in Venezuela). Advanced economies show more division, with the U.S. ranking hard work highest (73%).

3. Perceptions of Inequality:

   • Near-universal Concern: Over 60% globally view inequality as a very big problem, though opinions vary on its severity relative to other issues like unemployment.
   • Primary Culprit: National government policies are rated as the most important cause (29% globally), followed by worker pay (23%).

4. Policy Preferences for Reducing Inequality:

   • Dichotomy in Solutions: Views are nearly split on the best approach: low taxes to encourage investment (each preferred by 48% globally) or high taxes to fund anti-poverty programs (equally popular).

5. Free Market Beliefs:

   • Majority Support: Around 63% globally believe most people benefit from a free market economy, though opinions are lowest in some advanced countries.

In summary, while economic optimism and its discussion vary widely by country, education and hard work are universally seen as key to success. Notably, solutions to inequality are deeply divided, with nearly no overall consensus internationally.