{"id":27753,"date":"2024-03-13T09:51:25","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T14:51:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2024\/03\/13\/economic-and-policy-changes\/"},"modified":"2024-10-23T17:02:41","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T21:02:41","slug":"economic-and-policy-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2024\/03\/13\/economic-and-policy-changes\/","title":{"rendered":"3. Economic and policy changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Majorities in most of the 24 countries surveyed say the economy in their country is in bad shape<\/a>. In some places, these concerns color how people think democracy in their country could work better: by focusing on economic conditions and jobs. Economic reform<\/strong>, including issues like taxation, jobs, inflation and wealth inequality, ranks in the top 10 issues coded in the vast majority of countries surveyed. But it\u2019s a particular concern in the middle-income countries<\/a> surveyed \u2013 Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa \u2013 where the issue is typically in the top three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In each place surveyed, people also suggest specific policies and legislation<\/strong> they think would improve their democracy. In some middle-income countries, the emphasis is on infrastructure and basic services like electricity and clean water. But proposed policy and legislative changes extend to issues like health care, housing, immigration and more. Any specific policy change people mention that is not expressly covered by other codes is captured in this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic reform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Indians and South Africans stand out for the emphasis they place on economic reform. In both countries, it is the top issue mentioned, with around a third of respondents in each country bringing it up in their open-ended response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the eight middle-income countries included in the survey, economic reform appears in the top five issues of the 17 coded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic reforms are seen as an important way to improve democracy in high-income countries as well, ranking among the top 10 most cited issues in nearly every country surveyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cDemocracy would improve by making more people work and getting them educated. When one has a job, they feel more gratified: education and more work.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 76, Italy<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The types of economic reform people highlight largely center around three issues: improving people\u2019s day-to-day economic situation<\/strong> (\u201cMore jobs for young people.\u201d); changing the government\u2019s economic priorities<\/strong> (\u201cThe government should work with Kenyans to ensure development is achieved.\u201d); and, in some cases, changing the economic system altogether<\/strong> (\u201cStop allowing capitalism to trump human values and decency.\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Improving people\u2019s day-to-day economic situation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In middle-income countries surveyed, people are especially likely to mention a desire for more or better jobs. Sometimes, what drives their response is personal, as in the case of an Argentine woman: \u201cMore work. That they give me work, that there are fewer poor people, that there are fewer children begging in the streets.\u201d Others focus more broadly on employment in the country: \u201cPeople need to have jobs and prices need to be affordable,\u201d said an Indonesian woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cWe want jobs, and we want to be heard.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 30, South Africa<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Employment for the young<\/strong> is a particular concern. For example, a Japanese man said, \u201cCreate a society where young people can work easily by eliminating disparities and providing stable employment.\u201d Others emphasized that a core problem was with education not leading to jobs: \u201cMore work for the young people who just freshly graduated from school,\u201d said an Indonesian man. In Spain, one man expressed frustration that his government supports but doesn\u2019t employ the country\u2019s youth: \u201cImprove the employment situation in Spain for young people and stop giving aid left and right, only give jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worries also exist when it comes to jobs for older people<\/strong>. For example, a woman in Mexico wished \u201cthat there would be more work for the elderly because there is more work for young people than for adults.\u201d A man in Italy expressed a similar opinion: \u201cThere are many people who do not have the possibility of working, of having a social life, and I would like a state that represents us more, like the elderly and the those in need.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerns about where people can find jobs are also top of mind for some respondents. For example, one Mexican man was concerned with \u201cbrain drains,\u201d the phenomenon of people moving abroad for better work prospects<\/strong>: \u201cThat there be more opportunities for those in Mexico and not have to migrate to another country.\u201d Others emphasized that good jobs may be located in one part of their country but not another. For example, a British man frustrated with regional divides in his country said, \u201cNothing much goes north. There is far less work in the North than the South.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cInflation should be decreased. People should get employment. The prices of gas should be reduced.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 26, India<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The general increase of prices<\/a> has impacted many economies over the past few years, and the desire to curb inflation and get prices under control <\/strong>is an economic reform many respondents want. \u201cLower prices, we are starving,\u201d said an Argentine man, underscoring the severity of the problem. The survey in Argentina was conducted prior to the country\u2019s November 2023 elections, in which severe economic problems<\/a> were a clear focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others spotlight the price of specific goods<\/strong>, as in the case of one Indian woman who said, \u201cInflation should be less. Cooking gas should be less expensive. Petrol rates should be less.\u201d Some were specific in the interventions they wish to see to combat high prices: \u201cAs the cost of living increases, they should also increase the salaries,\u201d said a South African woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing the government\u2019s economic priorities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

How the government raises and spends money \u2013 and what it spends money on \u2013 is also an area of focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some see the need to address taxation<\/strong>, including raising taxes on those who can afford the cost. One American woman said, \u201cStart taxing the rich and corporations better.\u201d Others want taxes to be more equitably paid \u2013 and enforced \u2013 including an Australian woman who called for \u201ctaxes on all companies and people. The very wealthy should pay their fair share of tax. No loopholes, so they don\u2019t get out of doing the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other people were interested in reforming the tax system or reducing taxes altogether. \u201cWe should also look at changing our tax system, where everyone pays the same thing,\u201d said a Canadian man. A Swedish man suggested that \u201ctax money is earmarked for different parts of society that benefit all people.\u201d An Argentine woman called for her government to \u201clower taxes and increase salaries.\u201d In contrast, a respondent in Japan wanted to see more<\/em> but better-implemented taxes: \u201cTaxes will have to increase, but I want how it\u2019s done to improve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adjust spending priorities, focusing on economic inequality<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

For many, economic reform necessitates providing more financial aid<\/strong> to people in their country who need it. \u201cPerhaps more money for people who do not have a decent income,\u201d suggested a Canadian man. A woman in Australia suggested, \u201cRaise the welfare payments to reduce the socioeconomic gap between lifestyles. By having it at the current level, not being able to afford basics, let alone luxuries, affects your outlook on life, your status in the community, your mental health and self-worth as a citizen.\u201d In a few countries, the suggestions relate to specific national programs: \u201cCut R350 grants and create jobs to ensure that household has at least one working member,\u201d said a South African woman, citing the country\u2019s unemployment assistance program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cRaising the minimum standard of living and eradicating poverty so that the working class is able to participate more fully in our democracy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 29, U.S.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The focus on helping the poor is related to general concerns about inequality<\/strong> \u2013 especially the notion that \u201cthe growing divide in between rich and the poor can affect democracy,\u201d as one Australian woman put it. \u201cHaving more connectedness between poor people and rich people in the Netherlands is very important for good democracy,\u201d explained one Dutch woman. A Mexican man suggested that financial aid would improve inequality, saying, \u201cMore money should be given to the poor, so that there is more equality among all Mexicans.\u201d (For more on individual rights and equality, read <\/em>Chapter 4<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some specifically see targeting economic inequality as a way to combat other forms of inequality<\/strong>. For example, a woman in Israel said, \u201cHelp the poor in the Arab community. Financial help for matters in Arab society.\u201d And in Germany, a woman suggested, \u201cMore equality between East and West, between rich and poor.\u201d In the U.S., a man drew a connection between taxing the wealthy and systemic racism: \u201cWhen the rich pay their fair share of taxes, people of color will have a better chance at the American dream.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cutting benefits and spending<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Still, some level criticism against their governments for providing too much<\/em> to the poor in the way of financial aid. A woman in Australia said, \u201cToo many handouts at the moment. The only way to sustain that is to take from those that are hardworking in the way of taxes.\u201d A French man saw this as an issue tied to immigration as well: \u201cIt is necessary to give more means to those who work and then to stop welcoming people who are there to take advantage of the system rather than to integrate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others see a need to spend less or differently: \u201cFrance must start by reducing spending. We must work more and reduce spending at the state level,\u201d said another man in France. An Argentine man wanted to see less spending by way of smaller government: \u201cReduce the number of public employees and the tax burden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Economic independence<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cI think we stop importing things from other countries and focus more on exports so that we can grow the economy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 22, South Africa<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

One governmental priority several people stress is prioritizing domestic production<\/strong> so that \u201cour economy becomes more independent,\u201d as a Polish woman put it. A French man explained: \u201cMore local consumption. Stop importing things in times of crisis and favor things that are closer, especially food, because people buy a lot of things like that, and it becomes more expensive.\u201d Agricultural independence was the focus of a South African man, too, who suggested the government \u201ccreate more jobs, specifically farming, so that we won\u2019t import from other countries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For one respondent in the Netherlands, dropping the euro would also be valuable: \u201cGet out of the eurozone. Guilder time was the time where things were a lot more stable, and life was a lot better,\u201d he said, referring to the national currency used until 2002.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restructuring the economic system<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not so much democracy, it\u2019s more to do with capitalism. We need a socialist system so that people and animals don\u2019t go hungry, homeless or cold. There needs to be more equality for all and less of a class system.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 60, Australia<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Certain respondents see a need to rebuild the economy system in its entirety \u2013 by ending capitalism, for example. A man in Canada explained: \u201cSomehow, we need to divert from the course of believing that a free market will end up with the best outcome. To put it simply, an ideological shift away from capitalism. A system where those who own everything are the most powerful just doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d Similarly, a South African man suggested \u201cchanging capitalism into communism.\u201d A man in the U.S. said, \u201cEliminate capitalism and care for people rather than profits.\u201d And a Canadian woman suggested that \u201csociety be more socialist and less capitalist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Policies and legislation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Some see room for their democracy to improve through changes to specific policies, though what those policies are varies widely within and between countries. While the general sense is that \u201cthere should be policies that make life easy for the common man,\u201d responses collected include reforms to immigration laws, health care policy, foreign affairs<\/strong> and more. There are also frequent mentions of infrastructure development<\/strong> and improving access to basic needs like water, electricity and household plumbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t get water here. There are no proper roads. There are no health care facilities.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nMan, 37, India<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Specific policy changes are especially common in several of the middle-income countries surveyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some responses address one issue; others address several, like this list from an American man: \u201cGun reform, criminal reform, immigration reform, a balanced budget law, security, Social Security and Medicare, and a national abortion law.\u201d Given the diversity of issues included, there are few consistent demographic patterns in who offers policy changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while common topics \u2013 education, health care, immigration, infrastructure and so on \u2013 are explored in the sections below, there are many responses that are more unique or country-specific:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cMore technology, less paper and pencils.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 22, Mexico<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cFirst, we have to maintain the population. Rather than addressing the declining birthrate, the burden of child care should be reduced.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 42, Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cIt would work better if the official languages were recognized.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 32, Spain<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cBan assault weapons and strict rules and background checks for those buying guns.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 71, U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cFor the wildfires, the Greek people should engage in the deforestation of the fields. The state should not compensate those who do not clear their fields. A law can improve the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 74, Greece<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cGet on the clean, renewable energy bandwagon \u2026 wind farms and solar as far as the eye can see please!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 40, Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cWe should reintroduce general conscription for everyone over 18. Women as well as men. It is useful for everyone to stand up straight for a period of time in \u2018ugly clothes\u2019 and obey some orders.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 72, Sweden<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Education, health care and housing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Many of the responses that address policies and legislation mention education, health care or housing. In fact, these issues are sometimes talked about together, as in one Mexican man\u2019s call for \u201cbetter schools, better hospitals.\u201d A Hungarian said, \u201cDemocracy has a wobble! Education, health care. Pay good salaries to workers at both places.\u201d And an American man included access to affordable housing, education and health care in a lengthy list of suggested reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cMore subsidies for social affairs. More social housing, social support, a better school system. Better psychological help, better youth care. Cheaper and more public transportation. More nature protection and more heritage protection\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 48, Netherlands<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to health care<\/strong>, it\u2019s typically access and cost that concern people. An American woman said, \u201cGive us free health care.\u201d An Italian said, \u201cCitizens\u2019 right to health care should be strengthened.\u201d And in Mexico, a man requested that there be \u201cno shortage of medicines if they are needed.\u201d In Brazil, one woman noted that the issue is with \u201cservice at health clinics because there are a lot of delays.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same is true of housing<\/strong>: Those who mention it are mostly concerned with affordable access. For example, one young Australian woman said \u201ca fair housing system\u201d would improve her country\u2019s democracy. A man in Argentina said \u201ceveryone having their own home\u201d would help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pervasive calls for education reform<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Bolstering education<\/strong> is also a key focus \u2013 whether it be building schools or improving how things are taught. One Spanish woman said that, for her, \u201cThe main thing is good education, it is essential. As long as we do not have a quality education, we have nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is cross-national understanding that quality education in civics and history is important to democracy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cExpress all of our history \u2013 the good, the bad and the ugly.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 65, U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cIt is necessary to learn the structure of democracy, the structure of the economy, the structure of politics from an early age.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Man, 58, Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cTeaching comprehensive civic and political education in primary and secondary schools.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 60, Italy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

\u201cMore education for people about how it works, and what they can do to participate. Info needs to be easy to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Woman, 40, Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

(For more on how people think citizens should be informed in order to vote and participate in democracy, read <\/em>Chapter 4<\/em><\/a>.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But some are concerned with specific topics that may be taught in schools. One American woman said, \u201cSo many young people are being indoctrinated and told how great socialism is. They need to hear the truth from people who lived in Cuba or Venezuela. Perhaps that will open their eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others are mostly focused on the cost of education, including a woman from Indonesia who said, \u201cDon\u2019t make the education fee expensive. It has to be cheaper as it used to be.\u201d Another woman, from South Africa, felt similarly, saying, \u201cChildren must get free education and loans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infrastructure and electricity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Infrastructure is a particularly frequent topic, especially in the middle-income countries surveyed. One South African man simply requested \u201cmore infrastructure and development\u201d to improve democracy in his country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In India, where nearly one-third of respondents propose some policy change, there are myriad mentions of better roads, improved drainage and waste management, and access to water<\/strong>. Respondents in India were also quick to bring up agriculture<\/strong> and suggest improvements to the infrastructure that supports it: \u201cmaking the water supply available to farmers,\u201d for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Africans also focus on basic infrastructure improvements<\/strong> as a critical step to improve their democracy. One woman wanted the government to \u201cbuild more houses for the poor and fix the tar roads and close potholes.\u201d Another said, \u201cBuild us roads and clinics.\u201d Several South Africans took issue with Eskom \u2013 the country\u2019s public electricity<\/strong> provider \u2013 and the practice of loadshedding, which involves restricting electricity use for long periods of time. Better access to electricity is also mentioned in Nigeria and India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immigration policy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In several countries, people say that their democracy would be better with changes to immigration policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some want to end immigration<\/strong> to their country, like a Dutch man who said, \u201cI am absolutely against all those foreigners coming to the Netherlands.\u201d A woman in South Africa said, \u201cRebuild our country with no foreigners and it will all fall into place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others want to make their immigration system less complicated<\/strong> for those moving to their country, like an Australian man who said that \u201cclearing up the backlog of visa applications and closing some of the loopholes in the visa system that are unfair to applicants\u201d would make democracy better. A Briton shared similar hopes to make the immigration system more efficient: \u201cWe have an immigration problem in this country. The structure is not run right and needs reorganizing of the format allowing people into the country.\u201d One man in Canada went so far as to suggest his country \u201chelp the poor people of the world come to our country. Open up borders and let immigrants come in and have a life; share some of the riches we have here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few people spoke to the rights of immigrants who come to their country specifically for work: \u201cThat everyone can work, even if they don\u2019t have papers. If a Spaniard doesn\u2019t want to work, give it to whoever wants it,\u201d said a woman in Spain. An Australian woman expressed interest in some state support for immigrants, saying, \u201cThey should be given some help but have to work for a living.\u201d And in the U.S., one older man pushed for \u201ca thoughtfully bipartisan process of amnesty for gainfully employed immigrants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foreign affairs and multilateralism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Another policy area people in several countries address is foreign affairs. Some are keen to reduce the<\/strong> role their country plays on the international stage<\/strong> \u2013 others want it to increase. One American remarked, \u201cThe U.S. should stay neutral when other countries have disputes,\u201d while another said that \u201cRussia and China must be stopped, or the United States will be in deeper trouble than it already is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s a good feeling to be at the mercy of America.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWoman, 52, Japan<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Similarly contradictory opinions exist about multilateral organizations<\/strong>. A Spanish man said his country should \u201crespect national sovereignty and not be aware of the mandates of foreign organizations.\u201d Meanwhile, one of his fellow countrymen wanted \u201cgreater protection of the European Union over Spanish laws.\u201d In Poland, multilateralism is particularly popular, exemplified in responses like, \u201cWe need a stronger NATO,\u201d and, \u201cListening to the EU more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In several countries, there is a desire for the government to focus on domestic issues<\/strong> rather than international or multilateral ones. One Canadian said, \u201cWe need to stop taking policies from global organizations like the World Economic Forum, NATO and the World Health Organization. We need to put our country first and have to stop giving money to other countries to fight proxy wars that have nothing to do with us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(For more on views of international engagement, read our December 2023 report, <\/em>\u201cAttitudes on an Interconnected World.\u201d<\/em><\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Majorities in most of the 24 countries surveyed say the economy in their country is in bad shape. In some places, these concerns color how people think democracy in their country could work better: by focusing on economic conditions and jobs. 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