Those who are pessimistic about their income are more receptive to populism

  • From Sonja Hennen
  • Reading duration 1 min

A new study shows: False assumptions about one's current economic status are an important factor in explaining populist attitudes.

In a recently published working paper, researchers from the University of Würzburg find that misperceptions of one's economic status play an important role in explaining populist tendencies. Thilo N. H. Albers, Felix Kersting and Fabian Kosse conducted a comprehensive survey of German households in which they measured people's susceptibility to right-wing populism and their perceived income position.

They found that people who are pessimistic about their income are more receptive to populist rhetoric. Gender differences in particular are crucial for understanding the link between misperception and populism: men tend to show a greater affinity for populist ideals when they are dissatisfied.

Interestingly, providing correct information does not lead to a lasting correction of misperceptions, nor does it effectively mitigate populist tendencies.

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