Economic situation of families and perception of social reality. Exploratory analysis of Italian families

Abstract

The economic situation of a family is an aspect that has a great influence on lifestyle and the way that the members of a household perceive social reality. Starting from an analysis of the economic situation of Italian families, this study focuses on the way that their members perceive certain elements of the social reality that they are part of, their future prospects and those of new generations. The application of correspondence analysis makes it possible to conduct simultaneous analysis of data regarding the social, economic and socio-demographic characteristics of families and their future aspirations and prospects within welfare systems. The results of the research, conducted using Eurobarometer data, confirm that socio-economic conditions have a significant influence on reading the relevant social reality through the level of institutional and interpersonal trust. Families show different levels of expectations with regard to the State and the market depending on their corresponding social profile.