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Economic Inequality and Prejudice in Cross-National Perspective
“Does economic inequality affect social attitudes?” is a question Tina Fetner, recipient of a SSHRC Standard Research Grant, intends to address in her research titled “Economic Inequality and Prejudice in Cross-National Perspective”.
Tina Fetner, SSHRC recipient, Economic inequality and prejudice in cross-national perspective
“Does economic inequality affect social attitudes?” is a question Tina Fetner, recipient of a SSHRC Standard Research Grant, intends to address in her research titled “Economic Inequality and Prejudice in Cross-National Perspective”. Fetner’s recent research shows that negative attitudes towards homosexuality are related to national levels of economic inequality. Now Fetner would like to know whether economic inequality similarly affects prejudicial attitudes toward women, racial/ethnic minorities and immigrants. “Living in a democratic society, along with living in a welfare state, reduces prejudice,” explains Fetner, “which is reflective of the macrostructural foundations of prejudice.” The correlation between countries with unequal economies and a greater tolerance for homosexuality underlines the effects of social mistrust and economic uncertainty. Usually, the more economic inequality in a country, the greater the number of desperate situations. This project will examine the effect economic inequality has on prejudice by looking at both the individual and the country using the World Values Survey. “In an era when inequality is rising in most industrialized nations, driven by globalization and neoliberal economic policies, it is imperative that we know the social consequences of high levels of economic inequality,” quotes Fetner. “This project will add to our knowledge of one important outcome - the role that economic inequality plays in promoting prejudice.”
- Article by Natalie Paddon, Faculty of Social Sciences / First Generation Student Media Relations Officer
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