(Mis)perceptions of Inequality as a Social Issue

Inequality, defined as the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities between different groups in a population, is one of the most pressing issues of world development. Current levels of inequality and their development over time are widely documented in international reports and scientific literature, and inequality reduction is considered in the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. However, how people perceive the levels of inequality found in society is less known and less investigated. Problems arise if people’s perceptions under- or over-estimate their real condition and the condition of society, as this can lead to biased preferences, attitudes and behaviors. It is therefore fundamental to understand if, and to what extent, the perceptions of citizens reflect or distort the objective situation. This is important as perceptions are fundamental for economic actions and political consensus, they influence political beliefs and behavior as well as preferences for redistribution, social trust and cohesion.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of how perceptions of inequality are formed and how they impact individual decisions. The focus is on broader understanding of inequality that encompasses both horizontal (group-based inequalities) and vertical inequalities (distribution of income and wealth). The topic is interdisciplinary, encompassing contributions from fields such as social psychology and political science. However, there is still a limited number of sociological studies. We therefore particularly encourage contributions that focus on sociological exploration of the topic in various geographical contexts and over time.

We invite theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions exploring various aspects of inequality perceptions. We particularly encourage contributions with a quantitative methodological approach, such as those relying on experimental data or panel data, from all geographical areas. This Research Topic invites submissions from several streams including:

- (Il)literacy versus (mis)perception of inequality. How can we be sure to adequately measure perceptions of inequality?

- Consistence of inequality perceptions and their change over time. Are perceptions stable or they are prone to change?

- Factors influencing inequality perception. Are there important factors that shape perceptions, and which are these?

- The micro mechanisms that lead people to under or overestimate inequality. What is the reason for underestimation and overestimation of inequality?

- The role of meso-factors such as networks and macro factors such as social, political and economic macro contexts in explaining perceptions of inequality. How important are social contexts?

- The role of (mis)perception of inequality in people's decision-making process

- Inequality perceptions in relation to immigration, gender, race, class, income and wealth.

Keywords: Perceptions, inequality, preferences, group-based inequalities, vertical inequalities

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.