2024-11-01 03:01:00
In 2019, a Voices study for Fundación La Nación revealed several deeply rooted myths and prejudices in society regarding vulnerable sectors, such as the belief that poverty is a consequence of the lack of will to progress. A new study was conducted in 2024 focusing on inequality, access to opportunities and basic services, and barriers to progress.
Most Argentines perceive the country as profoundly unequal: 8 in 10 nationwide support it. The most unequal areas are access to housing, followed by work, food, healthcare and education.
Regarding the essential conditions for not being poor, the sectors with the highest socioeconomic level argue that it fundamentally depends on access to education and tend to emphasize personal effort as the key factor for emerging from poverty. Indeed, most people with higher incomes believe that if the poor worked harder, they could get out of their situation.
Instead, The most vulnerable sectors highlight the need first and foremost have an empty job as an essential condition for emerging from poverty. The fact is that a large majority of the lower segment (76%) say they have no chance of accessing formal employment. This situation leaves them out of the system, without any type of coverage. Another highly requested aspect is the possibility of accessing decent housing, even if seen as unattainable.
According to the Argentines The primary responsibility lies with the State to effectively address the challenges of poverty and inequalityalthough this figure has fallen from 80% to 72% in the last five years. It should be noted that it is young people who emphasize the importance of the state in solving this problem to a lesser extent.
In recent years, the perception has grown that coordinated action between the State, society in general, businesses and civil society organizations is necessary to solve social problems.
As regards the priorities required of the State, Vulnerable sectors highlight the generation of employment opportunities (60% versus 47% in the high sectors). Both segments agree that education (especially higher-level education) and vocational training are the second priority. Interestingly, these requests concern vulnerable sectors exceed requests for direct actions such as financial support or food delivery. This demonstrates the willingness of the poor to work and progress.
There is consensus that structural problems, fundamentally the poor economy and political corruption, are the main obstacles to overcoming poverty in Argentina. AND It is the lower sectors that mention the problem of corruption the most (70% versus 61% in the high sectors).
The differences between high and low socioeconomic sectors in Argentina reflect not only disparities in living conditions, but also in how each group perceives poverty and solutions to overcome it.
While Higher sectors rely more on personal effort and educational opportunities, those with poor resources or emphasize lack of access to formal employmenthousing and basic services as the major obstacles to exiting poverty.
Being or feeling poor for the vulnerable sectors implies a life of lack and fragility that forces us to resist with the little we have. Anyway, They don’t stop having dreams and the desire for progress. They live in the present, but have their eyes on what’s to come. They are resilient people who try to move forward while ensuring that they give their children greater tools for their future.. The solidarity of the neighborhood and those around it becomes a fundamental support in facing adversity.
The study proves it The popular sectors ask for work and training to escape poverty, which often clashes with social prejudices that stigmatize the poor as people who do not want to work or study, who want to live on benefits, who have children to collect on social plans.who are violent and/or have high drug and alcohol use. These prejudices are based on stereotypes and misconceptions about poverty. The reality is very complex and is marked by structural barriers that limit opportunities for progress and perpetuate inequalities.
The challenge lies in overcoming these stereotypes and prejudices and in understanding that poverty is not just a question of lack of effort, but of social conditions and opportunities. A more empathetic relationship between sectors would make it easier to achieve more effective personal and political actions to reduce inequality and live in a more just and supportive society.
The author is a sociologist, president of the consultancy Voices!, chair of the Comparative Sociology Committee of the International Sociological Association, and a full member of the National Academy of Education. She also served as president and is a full academic of the National Academy of Moral and Political Sciences. He also chaired the World Association of Public Opinion (WAPOR).
*Last March and April, the consultancy firm Voices! they investigated citizens’ perceptions of poverty and inequality and what, in their opinion, would be the most effective measures to reverse them. It did so exclusively for LA NACION and using 1,006 online surveys and two focus groups in the popular neighborhoods of La Ribera de Bernal, in Quilmes, and Villa 31, in Retiro, CABA.
#survey #surprises #revealing #essential #progress
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Dr. Laura Méndez, Social Policy Expert
Editor: Good morning, Dr. Méndez. Thank you for joining us today to discuss some critical insights from the recent study on social inequality in Argentina.
Dr. Méndez: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about these important issues.
Editor: The study highlights a significant perception of inequality among Argentines—notably, eight out of ten respondents view the country as profoundly unequal. What do you think are the underlying reasons for this perception?
Dr. Méndez: The perception of inequality is often rooted in lived experience. Many Argentines are acutely aware of the disparities in accessing basic services like housing, healthcare, and education. These disparities manifest in everyday life and create a deep-seated understanding of injustice among different socioeconomic classes.
Editor: Interestingly, the study points out that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds believe personal effort is key to escaping poverty. Yet, those from vulnerable sectors cite a lack of access to formal employment as a primary barrier. How can we reconcile these differing perspectives?
Dr. Méndez: This dichotomy in perspectives is quite telling. It underscores the disconnect between experiences. Higher-income individuals may not fully grasp the structural barriers faced by the poor, such as job availability and decent housing. For many in vulnerable sectors, the absence of an “empty job” is a stark reality that overshadows personal effort. Addressing this perception gap is vital for formulating effective policies.
Editor: The study notes that 76% of individuals in lower socioeconomic segments believe they have no chance of accessing formal employment. What steps can be taken to improve job access for these groups?
Dr. Méndez: The priority should be on creating targeted employment opportunities. This could involve establishing vocational training programs aligned with market needs, incentivizing businesses to hire from within vulnerable communities, and fostering partnerships between public and private sectors that emphasize job creation. Education plays a critical role here, but practical employment options are paramount.
Editor: The findings also indicate a belief that the state has a responsibility to address poverty and inequality. However, the belief in state responsibility has decreased from 80% to 72% over five years. What might this decline suggest about societal attitudes?
Dr. Méndez: This decline may reflect growing frustration with government efficacy. As youth place less emphasis on the state’s role, it suggests a shift toward a more individualistic mindset, likely influenced by perceived failures in addressing social issues. Citizens may be looking for innovative solutions beyond traditional state intervention, perhaps indicating a desire for more community-based or private sector involvement.
Editor: The study emphasizes that vulnerable sectors prioritize work and training over direct aid like financial support. How can policymakers better respond to these expressed needs?
Dr. Méndez: Policymakers must listen to the aspirations of vulnerable communities and create pathways for realizing those aspirations. It’s essential to develop programs that focus on skill development and employment readiness. By involving affected communities in the decision-making process, we can create tailored solutions that enable individuals to uplift themselves through work and dignity.
Editor: Lastly, the study talks about the resilience and dreams of those living in poverty, despite the challenges they face. How can we shift the narrative around poverty to reflect this strength?
Dr. Méndez: Changing the narrative requires a multi-faceted approach. Media representation plays a critical role in shaping perceptions; storytelling should highlight not only struggles but also resilience and community spirit. Additionally, education campaigns aimed at debunking prevalent stereotypes can foster understanding and empathy. Acknowledging the aspirations of those in vulnerable sectors can change the public discourse and promote more supportive societal attitudes.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Méndez, for your insightful analysis and recommendations. It’s clear that addressing poverty and inequality in Argentina is a complex challenge that requires collaboration, understanding, and innovative solutions.
Dr. Méndez: Thank you for having me. I hope this conversation sparks further discussion on these essential topics!