BUSINESS & POLITICS IN THE WORLD

 

GLOBAL OPINION REPORT NO.758

 

 

Week: August 29 – September 04, 2022

 

Presentation: September 09, 2022

 

 

Contents

 

758-43-23/Commentary: About Six-In-Ten Black Adults Say Racism And Police Brutality Are Extremely Big Problems For Black People In The U S Today. 3

SUMMARY OF POLLS. 12

ASIA   18

Almost 56% Pakistanis Hold The Opinion That Pakistan’s Biggest Problem Right Now Is Inflation. 18

AFRICA.. 19

In Lesotho, Gender-Based Violence Tops The List Of Women’s-Rights Issues To Be Addressed. 19

WEST EUROPE.. 26

Two Thirds Of SMEs Are Worried About The Energy Price Cap Rising. 27

Public More Likely To Think Boris Johnson Has Done A Bad Job As Pm Than Any Other Since WWII. 28

2 In 3 Britons Say Things In Great Britain Are Heading In The Wrong Direction. 29

Nearly Half Of UK Adults Say They Watched, Followed Online, Or Were Involved In An Event For The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. 31

62% Of French People Affected By A Pest Infestation In The Last 5 Years. 31

M-Pulse: The Index Of Economic Confidence Returned To A Positive Indicator 33

Italian SMEs On The Path Of Digital Transformation, But A Necessary Evolution Must Be Accelerated. 34

Women And Young People Increasingly Inclined To Donate; 84% At Least Donated Once In 2021. 36

NORTH AMERICA.. 37

More So Than Adults, U S Teens Value People Feeling Safe Online Over Being Able To Speak Freely. 37

About Six-In-Ten Black Adults Say Racism And Police Brutality Are Extremely Big Problems For Black People In The U S Today. 44

Entrepreneurship Of The Elderly; 33% Of Older Adults Consider It As An Alternative To Maintain Their Autonomy. 53

AUSTRALIA.. 55

Roy Morgan Business Confidence Up 1.1pts To 96.0. 55

Australians Prefer To Partner With The EU Economically But Favour The Us For A Security Partnership. 60

MULTICOUNTRY STUDIES. 64

49% Of The World's Population, On Average, Feels Guilty About Its Impact On The Environment, A Study In 15 Countries. 64

Over 2 In 3 (67%) Of People, On Average, Across 28 Countries Feel The Economy In Their Country Is Bad. 66

Climate Change Remains Top Global Threat Across 19-Country Survey. 67

Global Population Skews Male, But Un Projects Parity Between Sexes By 2050, Estimates Of 237 Countries. 88

IRI Poll In Africa’s 5 Littoral States Finds Economic Anxiety. 92

At The Civic Level, Growing Warmth Between Japan, S Korea. 93

Consumers Around 30 Markets View Financial Security And Their Own Financial Situation Differently. 94

 

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

This weekly report consists of twenty-two surveys. The report includes seven multi-country studies from different states across the globe.

 

758-43-23/Commentary: About Six-In-Ten Black Adults Say Racism And Police Brutality Are Extremely Big Problems For Black People In The U S Today

More than a year after the murder of George Floyd and the national protests, debate and political promises that ensued, 65% of Black Americans say the increased national attention on racial inequality has not led to changes that improved their lives.1 And 44% say equality for Black people in the United States is not likely to be achieved, according to newly released findings from an October 2021 survey of Black Americans by Pew Research Center.

This is somewhat of a reversal in views from September 2020, when half of Black adults said the increased national focus on issues of race would lead to major policy changes to address racial inequality in the country and 56% expected changes that would make their lives better.

At the same time, many Black Americans are concerned about racial discrimination and its impact. Roughly eight-in-ten say they have personally experienced discrimination because of their race or ethnicity (79%), and most also say discrimination is the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead (68%).  

Even so, Black Americans have a clear vision for how to achieve change when it comes to racial inequality. This includes support for significant reforms to or complete overhauls of several U.S. institutions to ensure fair treatment, particularly the criminal justice system; political engagement, primarily in the form of voting; support for Black businesses to advance Black communities; and reparations in the forms of educational, business and homeownership assistance. Yet alongside their assessments of inequality and ideas about progress exists pessimism about whether U.S. society and its institutions will change in ways that would reduce racism.

These findings emerge from an extensive Pew Research Center survey of 3,912 Black Americans conducted online Oct. 4-17, 2021. The survey explores how Black Americans assess their position in U.S. society and their ideas about social change. Overall, Black Americans are clear on what they think the problems are facing the country and how to remedy them. However, they are skeptical that meaningful changes will take place in their lifetime.

Black Americans see racism in our laws as a big problem and discrimination as a roadblock to progress

Bar chart showing about six-in-ten Black adults say racism and police brutality are extremely big problems for Black people in the U.S. today

Black adults were asked in the survey to assess the current nature of racism in the United States and whether structural or individual sources of this racism are a bigger problem for Black people. About half of Black adults (52%) say racism in our laws is a bigger problem than racism by individual people, while four-in-ten (43%) say acts of racism committed by individual people is the bigger problem. Only 3% of Black adults say that Black people do not experience discrimination in the U.S. today.

In assessing the magnitude of problems that they face, the majority of Black Americans say racism (63%), police brutality (60%) and economic inequality (54%) are extremely or very big problems for Black people living in the U.S. Slightly smaller shares say the same about the affordability of health care (47%), limitations on voting (46%), and the quality of K-12 schools (40%).

Aside from their critiques of U.S. institutions, Black adults also feel the impact of racial inequality personally. Most Black adults say they occasionally or frequently experience unfair treatment because of their race or ethnicity (79%), and two-thirds (68%) cite racial discrimination as the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead today.

Black Americans’ views on reducing racial inequality

Bar chart showing many Black adults say institutional overhauls are necessary to ensure fair treatment

Black Americans are clear on the challenges they face because of racism. They are also clear on the solutions. These range from overhauls of policing practices and the criminal justice system to civic engagement and reparations to descendants of people enslaved in the United States.

Changing U.S. institutions such as policing, courts and prison systems

About nine-in-ten Black adults say multiple aspects of the criminal justice system need some kind of change (minor, major or a complete overhaul) to ensure fair treatment, with nearly all saying so about policing (95%), the courts and judicial process (95%), and the prison system (94%).

Roughly half of Black adults say policing (49%), the courts and judicial process (48%), and the prison system (54%) need to be completely rebuilt for Black people to be treated fairly. Smaller shares say the same about the political system (42%), the economic system (37%) and the health care system (34%), according to the October survey.

While Black Americans are in favor of significant changes to policing, most want spending on police departments in their communities to stay the same (39%) or increase (35%). A little more than one-in-five (23%) think spending on police departments in their area should be decreased.

Black adults who favor decreases in police spending are most likely to name medical, mental health and social services (40%) as the top priority for those reappropriated funds. Smaller shares say K-12 schools (25%), roads, water systems and other infrastructure (12%), and reducing taxes (13%) should be the top priority.

Voting and ‘buying Black’ viewed as important strategies for Black community advancement

Black Americans also have clear views on the types of political and civic engagement they believe will move Black communities forward. About six-in-ten Black adults say voting (63%) and supporting Black businesses or “buying Black” (58%) are extremely or very effective strategies for moving Black people toward equality in the U.S. Smaller though still significant shares say the same about volunteering with organizations dedicated to Black equality (48%), protesting (42%) and contacting elected officials (40%).

Black adults were also asked about the effectiveness of Black economic and political independence in moving them toward equality. About four-in-ten (39%) say Black ownership of all businesses in Black neighborhoods would be an extremely or very effective strategy for moving toward racial equality, while roughly three-in-ten (31%) say the same about establishing a national Black political party. And about a quarter of Black adults (27%) say having Black neighborhoods governed entirely by Black elected officials would be extremely or very effective in moving Black people toward equality.

Most Black Americans support repayment for slavery

Discussions about atonement for slavery predate the founding of the United States. As early as 1672, Quaker abolitionists advocated for enslaved people to be paid for their labor once they were free. And in recent years, some U.S. cities and institutions have implemented reparations policies to do just that.

Most Black Americans say the legacy of slavery affects the position of Black people in the U.S. either a great deal (55%) or a fair amount (30%), according to the survey. And roughly three-quarters (77%) say descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should be repaid in some way.

Black adults who say descendants of the enslaved should be repaid support doing so in different ways. About eight-in-ten say repayment in the forms of educational scholarships (80%), financial assistance for starting or improving a business (77%), and financial assistance for buying or remodeling a home (76%) would be extremely or very helpful. A slightly smaller share (69%) say cash payments would be extremely or very helpful forms of repayment for the descendants of enslaved people.

Where the responsibility for repayment lies is also clear for Black Americans. Among those who say the descendants of enslaved people should be repaid, 81% say the U.S. federal government should have all or most of the responsibility for repayment. About three-quarters (76%) say businesses and banks that profited from slavery should bear all or most of the responsibility for repayment. And roughly six-in-ten say the same about colleges and universities that benefited from slavery (63%) and descendants of families who engaged in the slave trade (60%).

Black Americans are skeptical change will happen

Bar chart showing little hope among Black adults that changes to address racial inequality are likely

Even though Black Americans’ visions for social change are clear, very few expect them to be implemented. Overall, 44% of Black adults say equality for Black people in the U.S. is a little or not at all likely. A little over a third (38%) say it is somewhat likely and only 13% say it is extremely or very likely.

They also do not think specific institutions will change. Two-thirds of Black adults say changes to the prison system (67%) and the courts and judicial process (65%) that would ensure fair treatment for Black people are a little or not at all likely in their lifetime. About six-in-ten (58%) say the same about policing. Only about one-in-ten say changes to policing (13%), the courts and judicial process (12%), and the prison system (11%) are extremely or very likely.

This pessimism is not only about the criminal justice system. The majority of Black adults say the political (63%), economic (62%) and health care (51%) systems are also unlikely to change in their lifetime.

Black Americans’ vision for social change includes reparations. However, much like their pessimism about institutional change, very few think they will see reparations in their lifetime. Among Black adults who say the descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should be repaid, 82% say reparations for slavery are unlikely to occur in their lifetime. About one-in-ten (11%) say repayment is somewhat likely, while only 7% say repayment is extremely or very likely to happen in their lifetime.

Black Democrats, Republicans differ on assessments of inequality and visions for social change

Bar chart showing Black adults differ by party in their views on racial discrimination and changes to policing

Party affiliation is one key point of difference among Black Americans in their assessments of racial inequality and their visions for social change. Black Republicans and Republican leaners are more likely than Black Democrats and Democratic leaners to focus on the acts of individuals. For example, when summarizing the nature of racism against Black people in the U.S., the majority of Black Republicans (59%) say racist acts committed by individual people is a bigger problem for Black people than racism in our laws. Black Democrats (41%) are less likely to hold this view.

Black Republicans (45%) are also more likely than Black Democrats (21%) to say that Black people who cannot get ahead in the U.S. are mostly responsible for their own condition. And while similar shares of Black Republicans (79%) and Democrats (80%) say they experience racial discrimination on a regular basis, Republicans (64%) are more likely than Democrats (36%) to say that most Black people who want to get ahead can make it if they are willing to work hard.

On the other hand, Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to focus on the impact that racial inequality has on Black Americans. Seven-in-ten Black Democrats (73%) say racial discrimination is the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead in the U.S, while about four-in-ten Black Republicans (44%) say the same. And Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to say racism (67% vs. 46%) and police brutality (65% vs. 44%) are extremely big problems for Black people today.

Black Democrats are also more critical of U.S. institutions than Black Republicans are. For example, Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to say the prison system (57% vs. 35%), policing (52% vs. 29%) and the courts and judicial process (50% vs. 35%) should be completely rebuilt for Black people to be treated fairly.

While the share of Black Democrats who want to see large-scale changes to the criminal justice system exceeds that of Black Republicans, they share similar views on police funding. Four-in-ten each of Black Democrats and Black Republicans say funding for police departments in their communities should remain the same, while around a third of each partisan coalition (36% and 37%, respectively) says funding should increase. Only about one-in-four Black Democrats (24%) and one-in-five Black Republicans (21%) say funding for police departments in their communities should decrease.

Among the survey’s other findings:

Black adults differ by age in their views on political strategies. Black adults ages 65 and older (77%) are most likely to say voting is an extremely or very effective strategy for moving Black people toward equality. They are significantly more likely than Black adults ages 18 to 29 (48%) and 30 to 49 (60%) to say this. Black adults 65 and older (48%) are also more likely than those ages 30 to 49 (38%) and 50 to 64 (42%) to say protesting is an extremely or very effective strategy. Roughly four-in-ten Black adults ages 18 to 29 say this (44%).

Gender plays a role in how Black adults view policing. Though majorities of Black women (65%) and men (56%) say police brutality is an extremely big problem for Black people living in the U.S. today, Black women are more likely than Black men to hold this view. When it comes to criminal justice, Black women (56%) and men (51%) are about equally likely to share the view that the prison system should be completely rebuilt to ensure fair treatment of Black people. However, Black women (52%) are slightly more likely than Black men (45%) to say this about policing. On the matter of police funding, Black women (39%) are slightly more likely than Black men (31%) to say police funding in their communities should be increased. On the other hand, Black men are more likely than Black women to prefer that funding stay the same (44% vs. 36%). Smaller shares of both Black men (23%) and women (22%) would like to see police funding decreased.

Income impacts Black adults’ views on reparations. Roughly eight-in-ten Black adults with lower (78%), middle (77%) and upper incomes (79%) say the descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should receive reparations. Among those who support reparations, Black adults with upper and middle incomes (both 84%) are more likely than those with lower incomes (75%) to say educational scholarships would be an extremely or very helpful form of repayment. However, of those who support reparations, Black adults with lower (72%) and middle incomes (68%) are more likely than those with higher incomes (57%) to say cash payments would be an extremely or very helpful form of repayment for slavery.

(PEW)

AUGUST 30, 2022

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/race-ethnicity/2022/08/30/black-americans-have-a-clear-vision-for-reducing-racism-but-little-hope-it-will-happen/

 

SUMMARY OF POLLS

ASIA

(Pakistan)

Almost 56% Pakistanis Hold The Opinion That Pakistan’s Biggest Problem Right Now Is Inflation

According to a survey conducted by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan, 56% Pakistanis hold the opinion that Pakistan’s biggest problem right now is inflation. A nationally representative sample of adult men and women from across the four provinces was asked the following question, “What do you think is Pakistan’s biggest problem right now?” In response to this question, 56% said inflation, 22% said unemployment while 8% said political instability, 5% said corruption, 4% said load shedding, 2% said water issue, 2% said it was some other issue and 1% said don’t know or gave no response.

(Gallup Pakistan)

August 29, 2022

 

AFRICA

(Lesotho)

In Lesotho, Gender-Based Violence Tops The List Of Women’s-Rights Issues To Be Addressed

In Lesotho, almost two-thirds (64%) of citizens identify gender-based violence as the most important women’s-rights issue for the government and society to address. GBV ranks far ahead of unequal opportunities or pay in the workplace (11%), unequal rights of property ownership and inheritance (9%), unequal access to education (7%), and too few women in influential positions in government (7%) as priorities. Men and women hold almost identical views on the most important women’s-rights issues requiring the attention of the government and society.

(Afrobarometer)

31 August 2022

 

WEST EUROPE

(UK)

Two Thirds Of SMEs Are Worried About The Energy Price Cap Rising

A new YouGov survey of 526 small and medium sized enterprises (SMES) finds that 60% say they are having to pay higher energy bills than they were at the start of the year. For 13% of firms, bills have increased despite the fact they are using less energy now than they were at the start of the year. Of those firms experiencing higher prices, a large portion say they are unsustainable for the business – 44% say they won’t be able to sustain them for longer than 12 months, including 9% who say they already cannot afford to pay for them. These figures represent 26% and 5% of all SMEs, respectively.

(YouGov UK)

August 30, 2022

 

Public More Likely To Think Boris Johnson Has Done A Bad Job As PM Than Any Other Since WWII

New research by Ipsos in the UK shows Britons are more likely to say he has done a bad job as Prime Minister than any other person to hold the position since the Second World War – although he also ranks 4th on those being seen to have done a good job. Boris Johnson is in first place for being seen to have done a bad job (49%), followed by Theresa May (41%)David Cameron (38%) and Tony Blair (35%). There has been a 6-point fall in the proportion of Britons that think Gordon Brown did a bad job – reflecting his improved scores since 2021.

(Ipsos MORI)

31 August 2022

 

2 In 3 Britons Say Things In Great Britain Are Heading In The Wrong Direction

New polling by Ipsos in the UK shows almost two-thirds (64%) of Britons now believe things in this country are heading in the wrong directions while only 1 in 5 (21%) say things are heading the right way. The 64% saying things are heading in the wrong direction is the highest number since the last General Election. Those who voted for the Conservatives in 2019 are more likely to say things are going the right way, but only slightly. Three in 10 (29%) say things are heading in the right direction while a majority disagree (54%). On the other hand, three-quarters (74%) of Labour voters from 2019 say the country is heading in the wrong direction. 

(Ipsos MORI)

2 September 2022

 

Nearly Half Of UK Adults Say They Watched, Followed Online, Or Were Involved In An Event For The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

In a new poll by Ipsos, commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), almost half (46%) of adults in the UK and two in three (63%) in the Birmingham area said they had engaged with the 2022 Games. Six in ten (58%) people from Birmingham and the surrounding area agree the Games will have improved perceptions of the city across the rest of the UK and abroad, with less than one in ten (9%) saying it won't. 

(Ipsos MORI)

2 September 2022

 

(France)

62% Of French People Affected By A Pest Infestation In The Last 5 Years

Between January and July 2022, already 18% of French people had to face an infestation, confirming this trend. Despite a lower presence with 11% of French people affected in the last 5 years, bed bugs are by far the most feared pest by respondents (35%) ahead of wasp and/or hornet nests (23%). This figure, counterintuitive, is explained by the rather low success rate of "home" treatments, if 71% of respondents try to solve the problem on their own, more than half of them fail (51%).

(Ipsos France)

August 31, 2022

 

(Russia)

M-Pulse: The Index Of Economic Confidence Returned To A Positive Indicator

Within the framework of the research project "M-Pulse"*, Romir experts analyzed the dynamics of the impact of the socio-economic situation on a person. Among those who have television as a source of information, the index was +7 points. Among those who receive information from YouTube, the index was -10 points. Every second Russian has not noticed a change in their financial situation over the past month. At the same time, 54% of the population does not have any savings.

(Romir)

2 September 2022

 

(Italy)

Italian SMEs On The Path Of Digital Transformation, But A Necessary Evolution Must Be Accelerated

48% of companies have resorted to smart working and 98% have a digital communication channel, 31% have reviewed internal processes aimed at digital transformation, while 83% do not use any eCommerce channel. During the pandemic, companies and professionals have continued to be productive mainly thanks to smart working, a mode of work little used before the crisis. According to the American Express/BVA Doxa study, 48% of SMEs surveyed resorted to this mode precisely in relation to the epidemic: in fact, only 6% of the sample had already planned to implement agile work.

(BVA Doxa)

August 31, 2022

 

Women And Young People Increasingly Inclined To Donate; 84% At Least Donated Once In 2021

Women and younger generations are confirmed as donors: 84% of them say they have made at least one donation in 2021. Interesting is the positive trend of Millennials and Gen Z, which in 2021 confirm the leap forward of 2020 that had seen them grow from 79% to 84%.. Not only that, the percentage of Millennials (61%) who donate to multiple associations is also growing, while the most adults prefer to donate for a single association. The future for donations looks positive, 25% of Millennials said they want to donate more in the future, followed by Generation X at 18%.

(BVA Doxa)

August 31, 2022

 

NORTH AMERICA

(USA)

More So Than Adults, U S Teens Value People Feeling Safe Online Over Being Able To Speak Freely

Overall, 62% of teens say people being able to feel welcome and safe online is more important than people being able to speak their minds freely online. The majority of teens (59%) think that many people take such content too seriously, as do 54% of adults. Smaller shares in both groups believe offensive content online is too often excused as “not a big deal” (40% of teens and 44% of adults). Similar to teens, about six-in-ten adults ages 18 to 29 (62%) say offensive content is taken too seriously, as do 56% of those ages 30 to 64. By contrast, just 41% of adults 65 and older say the same.

(PEW)

AUGUST 30, 2022

 

About Six-In-Ten Black Adults Say Racism And Police Brutality Are Extremely Big Problems For Black People In The U S Today

More than a year after the murder of George Floyd and the national protests, debate and political promises that ensued, 65% of Black Americans say the increased national attention on racial inequality has not led to changes that improved their lives.1 And 44% say equality for Black people in the United States is not likely to be achieved, according to newly released findings from an October 2021 survey of Black Americans by Pew Research Center.

(PEW)

AUGUST 30, 2022

 

(Colombia)

Entrepreneurship Of The Elderly; 33% Of Older Adults Consider It As An Alternative To Maintain Their Autonomy

Colombia has 6.8 million older adults, of which 45% are men and 55% women. It is estimated that by 2050 this figure will reach 14 million older adults. 33% of older adults consider entrepreneurship as an alternative to maintain their autonomy. Bucaramanga and Barranquilla are the cities where they have the greatest willingness to undertake, with 50%. 14% of older adults in Medellin express their interest in labor independence for having a family business tradition.

(CNC)

AUGUST 30, 2022

 

AUSTRALIA

Roy Morgan Business Confidence Up 1.1pts To 96.0

In August 2022 Roy Morgan Business Confidence was 96.0 (up 1.1pts since July), the first monthly increase for four months since April 2022. The increase was the first for Business Confidence since the RBA began increasing interest rates in early May for the first time in over a decade. The RBA has now increased interest rates by 1.75% over the last four months and is expected to raise interest rates again next week by a further 0.5%.

(Roy Morgan)

August 29 2022

 

Australians Prefer To Partner With The EU Economically But Favour The Us For A Security Partnership

A special Roy Morgan SMS survey taken in late August shows a clear majority of 61% of Australians say they prefer partnering with the USA for security issues but for partnering economically the European Union comes out on top, favoured by 43% of Australians. In terms of security issues, the USA is favoured by 61% of Australians and is far ahead of any other contenders including the European Union (22%) and United Kingdom (14%). Considered together, over a third of Australians, 36%, select one of the two European based partners. In contrast, only 2.5% of people say they prefer Australia to partner with China regarding security issues and only 0.5% nominate Russia.

(Roy Morgan)

September 01 2022

 

MULTICOUNTRY STUDIES

49% Of The World's Population, On Average, Feels Guilty About Its Impact On The Environment, A Study In 15 Countries

49% of the world's population, on average, feels guilty about its impact on the environment, hence more and more people are willing to modify their habits to limit this impact Spain is the European country of the five analyzed in this study with the lowest percentage of activist population, leading the European list France (28%), followed by Germany (24%). Half of the Spanish population thinks that we are on the verge of the sixth extinction of living beings on the Planet.

(Ipsos Spain)

29 August 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/es-es/espana-el-pais-europeo-donde-mas-personas-perciben-el-cambio-climatico-como-una-amenaza-personal

 

Over 2 In 3 (67%) Of People, On Average, Across 28 Countries Feel The Economy In Their Country Is Bad

Will inflation pop or will hot air slowly release from economies around the world? No one really knows. Some economists predict prices will continue to soar for quite a while yet. Others worry about stagflation (meaning there’s high inflation and high unemployment at the same time). Then there’s the doomsayers saying a severe recession is nigh. Four of the 23 countries in Ipsos’ Global Consumer Confidence Index have National Consumer Confidence Index scores that are significantly higher than before the pandemic.
(Ipsos MORI)

30 August 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/data-dive-heres-how-people-are-feeling-about-inflation-around-world

 

Climate Change Remains Top Global Threat Across 19-Country Survey

With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, a hot war between Russia and Ukraine ongoing, inflation rates rising globally and heat records being smashed across parts of the world, countries are facing a wide variety of challenges in 2022. Among the many threats facing the globe, climate change stands out as an especially strong concern among citizens in advanced economies, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. A median of 75% across 19 countries in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region label global climate change as a major threat.

(PEW)

AUGUST 31, 2022

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey/

 

Global Population Skews Male, But UN Projects Parity Between Sexes By 2050, Estimates Of 237 Countries

Globally, the number of males has exceeded the number of females since the mid-1960s. But by 2050, the worldwide sex ratio is expected to even out, according to recently released population projections from the United Nations. As of 2021, there were about 44 million more males than females in the global population. But that difference is expected to disappear as a result of several different demographic trends.

(PEW)

AUGUST 31, 2022

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/08/31/global-population-skews-male-but-un-projects-parity-between-sexes-by-2050/

 

IRI Poll In Africa’s 5 Littoral States Finds Economic Anxiety

When asked about the most important problem facing their country today, pluralities in the surveyed regions of Ghana (42%), Cote d’Ivoire (38%), Togo (35%), and Benin (34%) all cited issues related to the economy. In Burkina Faso, “insecurity” was the top priority with 36%.  On security related matters, people who believe that violent extremism is a problem in their region of Burkina Faso (45%), Côte d’Ivoire (42%), Togo (45%), and Benin (39%), named “insurgent groups” as the most common perpetrators in their communities. A smaller percentage of people in Ghana (18%) agreed.  

(International Republican Institute)

September 2, 2022

Source: https://www.iri.org/news/iri-poll-in-africas-littoral-states-finds-economic-anxiety-concerns-with-insurgent-groups-confidence-in-local-police-to-mitigate-violent-extremism/

 

At The Civic Level, Growing Warmth Between Japan, S Korea

An opinion poll on how Japanese and South Koreans view each other’s country showed a marked rise in favorable sentiment on both sides. Genron NPO, a Japanese nonprofit think tank, and the East Asia Institute, a South Korean think tank, have jointly conducted the surveys on an annual basis since 2013. Japanese who harbor favorable feelings toward South Korea increased by 5 percentage points to 30.4 percent, while those with unfavorable feelings came to 40.3 percent, down 8.5 percentage points from a year earlier.

(Asahi Shimbun)

September 2, 2022

Source: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14709486

 

Consumers Around 30 Markets View Financial Security And Their Own Financial Situation Differently

Data from YouGov Global Profiles shows that consumers around the world view financial security and their own financial situation differently. Globally, more than a fifth of consumers (21 percent) disagree with this statement. 41 percent of The Japanese do not see themselves as financially secure, closely followed by Germany with 37 percent, who do not agree with the statement: "I consider myself financially secure". In the USA and Greece, too, the majority of respondents do not see themselves as financially secure (34 and 31 percent respectively).

(YouGov Germany)

September 2, 2022

Source: https://yougov.de/news/2022/09/02/hohe-finanzielle-unsicherheit-japan-und-deutschlan/

 

ASIA

758-43-01/Polls

Almost 56% Pakistanis Hold The Opinion That Pakistan’s Biggest Problem Right Now Is Inflation

According to a survey conducted by Gallup & Gilani Pakistan, 56% Pakistanis hold the opinion that Pakistan’s biggest problem right now is inflation. A nationally representative sample of adult men and women from across the four provinces was asked the following question, “What do you think is Pakistan’s biggest problem right now?” In response to this question, 56% said inflation, 22% said unemployment while 8% said political instability, 5% said corruption, 4% said load shedding, 2% said water issue, 2% said it was some other issue and 1% said don’t know or gave no response. Question: “What do you think is Pakistan’s biggest problem right now?”

 

(Gallup Pakistan)

August 29, 2022

Source: https://gallup.com.pk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/August-29.pdf

 

AFRICA

758-43-02/Polls

In Lesotho, Gender-Based Violence Tops The List Of Women’s-Rights Issues To Be Addressed

Key findings § Basotho see gender-based violence (GBV) as the most important women’s-rights issue that the government and society must address. § A majority (53%) of citizens say violence against women is a “somewhat common” (28%) or “very common” (25%) occurrence in their community. § More than eight in 10 (85%) Basotho say it is “never” justified for a man to physically discipline his wife. About two in 10 think it is “sometimes” (11%) or “always” (4%) justified. § Almost six in 10 respondents (56%) consider it “somewhat likely” (29%) or “very likely” (27%) that a woman will be criticised or harassed if she reports gender-based violence to the authorities. o But most citizens (79%) say the police are likely to take cases of GBV seriously. § A slim majority (53%) of Basotho say domestic violence should be treated as a criminal matter rather than as a private matter to be resolved within the family. Is gender-based violence (GBV) an important problem in Lesotho? In Lesotho, almost two-thirds (64%) of citizens identify gender-based violence as the most important women’s-rights issue for the government and society to address. GBV ranks far ahead of unequal opportunities or pay in the workplace (11%), unequal rights of property ownership and inheritance (9%), unequal access to education (7%), and too few women in influential positions in government (7%) as priorities (Figure 1).

Men and women hold almost identical views on the most important women’s-rights issues requiring the attention of the government and society (Figure 2).

How common is GBV?

One reason that GBV is considered a major issue is probably that many Basotho think it

happens frequently: 53% of respondents say violence against women is “somewhat

common” (28%) or “very common” (25%) in their community (Figure 3)

Women (56%) are slightly more likely than men (51%) to say that violence against women and girls is a common occurrence, as are urban residents (60%) compared to their rural counterparts (51%) (Figure 4). This perception is also more widespread among poor citizens (58% of those experiencing high “lived poverty”1) but less common among those with no formal education (47%). Older respondents (50%) are less likely to report that GBV happens frequently.

Physical discipline of a spouse More than eight in 10 Basotho (85%) say it is “never justified” for a man to physically discipline his wife. Fewer than two in 10 consider it “sometimes” (11%) or “always” (4%) justified. Women are somewhat more likely than men to rule out physical discipline as “never justified,” 89% vs. 82% (Figure 5). The view that men are never justified in physically disciplining their wives gathers strength as respondents’ education level rises, ranging from 77% of those with no formal schooling to 92% of those with post-secondary qualifications (Figure 6). Older respondents are a little less likely to share this attitude (83% of those aged over 55 years), compared to 86%-87% of younger respondents.

Response to GBV Police and scholars agree that the true extent of GBV is unknown because many attacks on girls and women are never reported. Reasons include fear of the attacker, fear of a negative response by others, or the belief that the authorities won’t take the case seriously (Palermo, Bleck, & Peterman, 2014). Asked whether they think a woman who reports being a victim of rape, domestic violence, or other gender-based violence will be criticised, harassed, or shamed by others in the community, only about a quarter (27%) of Basotho say this is “very unlikely” (Figure 7). While another 14% consider it “somewhat unlikely,” a majority (56%) say it is “somewhat” (29%) or “very” (27%) likely. These perceptions – whether accurate or not – may serve as a significant deterrent to reporting GBV. Women and men hold almost identical views on this question, and differences by respondents’ age, education level, and urban-rural residency show no clear pattern.

While expectations regarding the community’s response are mixed, Basotho overwhelmingly believe that the police will respond appropriately to reported cases of GBV: 79% see it as likely that the police will take such reports seriously, including 56% who say it is “very likely” (Figure 8). More men than women believe that the police will take GBV cases seriously (83% vs. 75%) (Figure 9).

 

Is domestic violence a criminal or family matter?

One common form of GBV is domestic violence. Even though the perpetrators may be

known, many domestic-violence cases go unreported or unresolved, and most present

victims and families with complex, wrenching decisions. Do Basotho see domestic violence

as a criminal matter or a private matter?

Basotho are divided in their views: 53% say domestic violence is a criminal matter that

requires the involvement of law enforcement, while 46% consider it a private matter that

needs to be handled within the family (Figure 10).

Women are much more likely than men to see domestic violence as a criminal matter, 62%

vs. 44%. Support for this view is lowest among those with high lived poverty (44%, vs. 55% of better-off citizens).

Conclusion

Basotho considers gender-based violence a serious issue that needs urgent attention. While activists welcome the Counter Domestic Violence Bill, this should be augmented by education and awareness raising. The stigmatisation of victims must be addressed, and communities should play their role of protecting the vulnerable members in their midst. Basotho express confidence that the police take GBV cases seriously, but the fact that almost half of adults consider domestic violence a private matter, if left unaddressed, will result in the continued under-reporting of GBV cases to the police.

(Afrobarometer)

31 August 2022

Source: https://www.afrobarometer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AD546-In-Lesotho-gender-based-violence-tops-womens-right-issues-needing-attention-Afrobarometer-31aug22.pdf

 

WEST EUROPE

758-43-03/Polls

Two Thirds Of SMEs Are Worried About The Energy Price Cap Rising

While the cost of living crisis has been hitting the public hard, it is not just individuals for are struggling, but also businesses.

A new YouGov survey of 526 small and medium sized enterprises (SMES) finds that 60% say they are having to pay higher energy bills than they were at the start of the year. For 13% of firms, bills have increased despite the fact they are using less energy now than they were at the start of the year.

Of those firms experiencing higher prices, a large portion say they are unsustainable for the business – 44% say they won’t be able to sustain them for longer than 12 months, including 9% who say they already cannot afford to pay for them. These figures represent 26% and 5% of all SMEs, respectively.

In most cases, the increased cost of energy is making its way back to the already hard-pressed consumer. Three quarters (75%) of those firms whose energy bills have gone up say they are going to have to pass on higher prices for customers, including 34% who say it will lead to “much higher” prices for their customers.

Things are only going to get worse, with the energy price cap set to rise in October. Almost two thirds (64%) of SMEs say they are worried about the forthcoming increase in the energy price cap, including 30% who are “very worried”.

(YouGov UK)

August 30, 2022

Source: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/economy/articles-reports/2022/08/30/two-thirds-smes-are-worried-about-energy-price-cap

 

758-43-04/Polls

Public More Likely To Think Boris Johnson Has Done A Bad Job As Pm Than Any Other Since WWII

  • Churchill most likely to be seen to have done a good job by the public
  • Outgoing Boris Johnson ranks 4th on doing a good job but top on doing a bad job

As the end date of Boris Johnson’s time as Prime Minister nears, new research by Ipsos in the UK shows Britons are more likely to say he has done a bad job as Prime Minister than any other person to hold the position since the Second World War – although he also ranks 4th on those being seen to have done a good job.
Meanwhile, Winston Churchill tops the list of those Prime Ministers the public think has done a good job.

Question: Based on what you know, would you say that the following Prime Ministers did a good job or a bad job as Prime Minister, or neither? - Ipsos

Key findings from the poll include:

When we look at 2019 Conservative voters:

  • The runaway leaders in terms of which Prime Ministers did a good job are, unsurprisingly, Winston Churchill (81%) and Margaret Thatcher (73%)Boris Johnson is 3rd on 55%.
  • Also unsurprisingly, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown top the list of having done a bad job amongst this group (51% and 50% respectively).

Amongst 2019 Labour voters:

  • Tony Blair (51%)Winston Churchill (50%) and Gordon Brown (46%) are most likely to have been seen to have done a good job. Followed by Harold Wilson on 38%.
  • Boris Johnson is the runaway leader on having done a bad job (78%), followed by clear majorities for Thatcher and May (both 57%) and David Cameron (54%).

Keiran Pedley, Director of Political Research at Ipsos, said:

Winston Churchill continues to top our list of Prime Ministers the public think did a good job in office, followed by Margaret Thatcher. Boris Johnson will be reasonably content with finishing 4th on that list but less happy about topping the list for having done a bad job. However, there is a certain degree of recency bias in who tops the bad job list, with Johnson making up a top three with Theresa May and David Cameron. Time will tell how Johnson’s legacy is judged, as we see by improved scores for Gordon Brown over time, negative perceptions today may soften in the future.

(Ipsos MORI)

31 August 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/public-more-likely-to-think-boris-johnson-has-done-bad-job-as-pm-than-any-other-since-ww2

 

758-43-05/Polls

2 In 3 Britons Say Things In Great Britain Are Heading In The Wrong Direction

New polling by Ipsos in the UK shows almost two-thirds (64%) of Britons now believe things in this country are heading in the wrong directions while only 1 in 5 (21%) say things are heading the right way. The 64% saying things are heading in the wrong direction is the highest number since the last General Election.

Those who voted for the Conservatives in 2019 are more likely to say things are going the right way, but only slightly. Three in 10 (29%) say things are heading in the right direction while a majority disagree (54%). On the other hand, three-quarters (74%) of Labour voters from 2019 say the country is heading in the wrong direction. 

Favourability 

The two Conservative leadership candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, appear to be neck-and-neck in terms of public favourability as we near the leadership election finish line. Both are seen favourably by around a quarter of Britons (25% Sunak, 23% Truss), increasing to just over a third of 2019 Conservative voters (37% Sunak, 36% Truss). 46% of the general public are unfavourable towards Sunak and 45% towards Truss. 

This means Sunak has an overall net favourability rating of -21 while Truss scores -22 among the general public. 

Looking at other politicians:

  • Labour leader Keir Starmer enjoys the best net favourability rating of -12, with 29% positive towards him and 41% unfavourable. 
  • The outgoing Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is viewed just as favourably as Starmer (29%) however a majority view him unfavourably (53%), making his net rating -24.
  • Nadim Zahawi, Chancellor of the Exchequer, scores a relatively good net rating of -18, however this is likely due to the high proportion of people who don’t know who he is. 43% are neutral on the Chancellor or say they don’t know if they are favourable or not.
  • Priti Patel scores the lowest with a rating of -32 of the politicians on our list, 1 in 5 (19%) see her favourably which 51% are unfavourable.

Looking at political parties:

  • A third view the Labour Party favourably (34%) while 4 in 10 disagree (41%) giving them a rating of -7 (up from -12 last month).
  • The Conservative Party have the lowest rating with -19, 29% view them positively, up from 22% in July, while half (48%) are unfavourable (down from 52%).
  • Around a quarter (27%) view the Green Party favourably, 31% unfavourable, while a similar proportion are positive about the Liberal Democrats (25%), 36% are unfavourable. 

Impact of Brexit

Around half of Britons say the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has had a negative impact on the country (48%, +1 pt from July) while 3 in 10 say the impact has been positive (31%, +4 pts). Around 1 in 7 say it has made no difference (16%, -2 pts). 

Government performance

Looking back at the performance of the Johnson government, the public are more likely to think the government have done a bad job, rather than a good job, across a range of measures. The public are most negative about the government’s performance on improving living standards for those on low incomes (57%) and improving Britain’s economy generally (55%).

When we compare scores to the last time we asked these statements in July 2021 the most notable shifts include:

  • A 17 pt increase in the proportion that think the government have done a bad job in setting the right level of taxation (33% to 50%),
  • A 16 pt increase in the proportion of Britons that think the government have done a bad job improving Britain’s economy (39% to 55%),
  • And a 14 pt increase in the proportion that think the government have done a bad job at ‘improving my own standard of living (35% to 49%) 

Keiran Pedley, Director of Politics at Ipsos, said:

These numbers show the difficult political environment the new Prime Minister will inherit next week. With two in three Britons thinking things are heading in the wrong direction and significant concerns about the economy and cost of living clear, the next occupant of Number 10 will need to hit the ground running to reassure the public that they can deal with the various challenges Britain faces.

(Ipsos MORI)

2 September 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/2-3-britons-say-things-great-britain-are-heading-wrong-direction

 

758-43-06/Polls

Nearly Half Of UK Adults Say They Watched, Followed Online, Or Were Involved In An Event For The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

  • Nearly half (46%) of adults in the UK said they had watched, followed online, or got involved in an event for the Games.
  • Six in ten (58%) people from Birmingham and the surrounding area agree the Games will have improved perceptions of the city.
  • Six in ten (60%) people from Birmingham and the surrounding area agree that the Games has had a positive impact on the economy in Birmingham and Sandwell.

In a new poll by Ipsos, commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), almost half (46%) of adults in the UK and two in three (63%) in the Birmingham area said they had engaged with the 2022 Games.   

People in Birmingham and the surrounding area feel positively about the impact the Games have had on perceptions of the city and the local economy.

Six in ten (58%) people from Birmingham and the surrounding area agree the Games will have improved perceptions of the city across the rest of the UK and abroad, with less than one in ten (9%) saying it won't. 

Six in ten people (60%) in Birmingham and the surrounding area agree that the Games has had a positive impact on the economy in Birmingham and Sandwell, by providing jobs and supporting local businesses.

People across the UK also feel positively about the opportunities that the Games and similar events provide. 

Almost eight in ten (78%) people agree major UK events including the Games give people the opportunity to celebrate. Three in four people agree major events including the Games give people the opportunity to come together nationally (75%) and locally (72%).

Major UK events give people a sense of pride. Two in three (61%) people said major UK events in 2022 including the Games make them feel proud of the UK.

(Ipsos MORI)

2 September 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/nearly-half-uk-adults-say-they-watched-followed-online-or-were-involved-event-birmingham-2022

 

758-43-07/Polls

62% Of French People Affected By A Pest Infestation In The Last 5 Years

Pests: an extremely widespread problem...

62% of French people have faced one to an infestation of pests in their home in the last 5 years

All CSPs, all age groups and all territories are concerned almost equally. It should be noted, however, that those under 34 are more often confronted with infestations of cockroaches (2.2 times more often than other age groups) and bedbugs (3.3 times more often), these two pests are also much more present in large cities, especially in Île-de-France with an occurrence rate twice as high as the national average.

... and constantly increasing

The number of people affected by a pest infestation in France increased 2-fold between 2017 and 2021

All pest species progress year after year, especially rats (x2.3) and hornet wasps (x2.2). Between January and July 2022, already 18% of French people had to face an infestation, confirming this trend. Despite a lower presence with 11% of French people affected in the last 5 years, bed bugs are by far the most feared pest by respondents (35%) ahead of wasp and/or hornet nests (23%).

A significant expense for the affected households.

On average, people affected by a pest infestation spend €581 to overcome the problem

This budget is divided between professional treatment – 284€; "homemade" treatments - 83€; and collateral damage (discarded furniture...) and additional services – €250. There are significant differences from one pest to another with an average budget of 958 € to overcome bed bugs against "only" 379 € to eliminate a mouse infestation.

Especially for those who are trying to deal with the problem on their own

People trying to solve a pest problem on their own spend an average of €136 more than those who call on a professional

This figure, counterintuitive, is explained by the rather low success rate of "home" treatments, if 71% of respondents try to solve the problem on their own, more than half of them fail (51%) a particularly low figure when dealing with bedbugs (62% failure), hornets (60% failure) and cockroaches (59%).

La lutte contre les nuisibles est aussi un combat de longue haleine

Il faut en moyenne 2,8 mois pour venir à bout d'une infestation de nuisibles

This figure remains important, regardless of the pest concerned, with a minimum of 2.2 for flea infestations and a maximum of 3.3 months for rat infestations. This homogeneity of average elimination times masks various realities, however, since 9% of those affected took more than 6 months to overcome the infestation. In addition, here too, people using a professional are better off since in 49% of cases the problem is solved in less than a month against only 26%, for those who have tried to treat by themselves.

The choice of the treatment company, a crucial step to avoid scams and additional expenses

71% of French people who used a company for the treatment of pests said they were dissatisfied

The main reasons for dissatisfaction concern the price of the service for 51% of victims, with, for example, discrepancies between the advertised rate and that charged; the lack of seriousness of the company (48%) or the quality of the treatment (46%); or the lack of advice and support (41%). This lack of quality and seriousness directly impacts the sums spent by those affected, since those who say they are dissatisfied due to a lack of advice have spent an average of €715 against €436 for satisfied people, or 64% additional costs.

(Ipsos France)

August 31, 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/fr-fr/62-des-francais-touches-par-une-infestation-de-nuisibles-au-cours-des-5-dernieres-annees

 

758-43-08/Polls

M-Pulse: The Index Of Economic Confidence Returned To A Positive Indicator

Within the framework of the research project "M-Pulse"*, Romir experts analyzed the dynamics of the impact of the socio-economic situation on a person.

In the period from 22 to 28 August, the index of economic confidence of Russians ** returned to the positive zone, increasing to 3 points.

Among those who have television as a source of information, the index was +7 points. Among those who receive information from YouTube, the index was -10 points.

Every second Russian has not noticed a change in their financial situation over the past month. At the same time, 54% of the population does not have any savings.

*"M-Pulse" is an operational measurement of the impact of the current socio-economic situation on a person, his behavior, consumption, plans and expectations. The results of the study are available in weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual formats. For the full results of the study, you can contact the m-pulse@romir.ru.

**The economic confidence index is a set of Russians' assessment of the current economic situation in the country and their expectations regarding the prospects for its development. Indicators are calculated as the difference between positive and negative answers.

(Romir)

2 September 2022

Source: https://romir.ru/studies/m-puls-indeks-ekonomicheskoy-uverennosti-vernulsya-k-polojitelnomu-pokazatelyu

 

758-43-09/Polls

Italian SMEs On The Path Of Digital Transformation, But A Necessary Evolution Must Be Accelerated

The pandemic has certainly contributed to accelerating the adoption of technology by Italian companies and professionals, reducing the gap compared to many other countries. However, it is essential to further promote this digital transformation by helping SMEs to develop necessary skills, evolve their processes and understand how to make the most of new technologies. This is what emerges from the American Express SME Observatory in collaboration with BVA Doxa: a survey conducted on top figures of 300 small and medium-sized Italian companies operating in different sectors and throughout the national territory, which offers a snapshot of the level of digitization of our companies.

The survey conducted by BVA Doxa on behalf of American Express highlights how in the last two years the majority of SMEs (66% of respondents) declare that they have had even significant losses, around a quarter of the business, even if there is a 20% that has managed to grow, in particular companies operating in sectors favored by the pandemic. On the path towards the recovery of competitiveness, the digital evolution, certainly accelerated but still to be consolidated, represents a great opportunity that our SMEs must maximize to return to growth.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMES AND SMARTWORKING
During the pandemic, companies and professionals have continued to be productive mainly thanks to smart working, a mode of work little used before the crisis. According to the American Express/BVA Doxa study, 48% of SMEs surveyed resorted to this mode precisely in relation to the epidemic: in fact, only 6% of the sample had already planned to implement agile work.

31% of companies have also reviewed internal processes aimed at digital transformation, thus showing a strong propensity for a change of pace towards digital, and just 20% have joined new services dedicated to networkingIn fact, two thirds of companies declare that they are not part of any consortium or network of companies and in particular the connection with scientific and technological research consortia appears to be very low, which concerns 5% of SMEs.

E-COMMERCE STILL CONTAINED
Even the use of e-Commerce is currently contained, despite the fact that 48% of respondents (the figure rises for manufacturing and agricultural companies) said they carry out export activities and that 19% are willing to do so in the future. In fact, 17% of companies use e-commerceHowever, 2 out of 10 companies are interested in implementing online commerce, and the figure doubles if we consider the companies operating in the trade.

TECHNOLOGICAL INVESTMENTS TO HELP GROWTH
To accelerate digital transformation, it is essential to increase investments dedicated to technology. According to the companies, 60% allocate less than 10,000 euros per year for digital equipment (excluding hardware expenses), from 10,000 to 20,000 euros in 30% of cases. A strong push for innovation concerns only 8% of SMEs that invest over 30,000 euros a year.

Most of these investments in technology, however, are dedicated to the digitized management of documents, in 70% of cases, to social media for 62%, therefore in general to "necessary" rather than strategic items. Social media is also considered by 64% of companies to be the most useful digital tools. Subsequently, investments are allocated to e-Government and online interactions with PAs (51% of companies), cybersecurity (50% of SMEs, therefore 1 in 2 companies) and cloud technologies (40% of respondents).

NETWORK COMPANIES
98% of SMEs have at least one digital communication channel. In particular, 96% have a company website or app, and 68% a social profile, which, however, are mainly used to make their brand and services known and not to increase business, for example by generating commercial contacts or partnerships or by targeting the offer and retaining customers. It is probably for this reason that the most used social channel by SMEs is Facebook (91%), followed by Instagram (36%), while Linkedin stops at 28%, and YouTube still remains peripheral (4%). However, there are still 11% of companies without a website.

Almost one in two companies (44%) has instead made investments in digital campaigns, and for over two thirds (36%) it is a recent experience, made in the last 2 years, while a further 13% is interested in doing digital communication.

(BVA Doxa)

August 31, 2022

Source: https://www.bva-doxa.com/pmi-italiane-sulla-via-della-digital-transformation-ma-occorre-accelerare-unevoluzione-necessaria/

 

758-43-10/Polls

Women And Young People Increasingly Inclined To Donate; 84% At Least Donated Once In 2021

Women and younger generations are confirmed as donors: 84% of them say they have made at least one donation in 2021. Interesting is the positive trend of Millennials and Gen Z, which in 2021 confirm the leap forward of 2020 that had seen them grow from 79% to 84%.. Not only that, the percentage of Millennials (61%) who donate to multiple associations is also growing, while the most adults prefer to donate for a single association. The future for donations looks positive, 25% of Millennials said they want to donate more in the future, followed by Generation X at 18%.

HEALTH FIRST

'Health and scientific research' (54%) confirms the primacy as the area most chosen by donors, while the 'emergency and civil protection' area grows (35%), followed by 'protection of the environment and animals' (28%) and 'social assistance' (24%). Sensitivity towards the 'protection of rights and peace' is also growing (15%). As for types of donations, crowdfunding (72%), donations to associations (64%) and solidarity gifts (21%) continue the positive trend started in 2020.

ONLINE VS OFFLINE DONATIONS

The constant growth of online donation continues (35%), while cash that had a decline during the lockdown of 2020, recovers some points (37%). Looking exclusively at donations to associations (excluding solidarity gifts), those made online (35%) exceed those made in cash (27%) increasing the gap between the two modes.

In addition, donating at the time of a purchase is a practice that is arousing interest, for 37% 'doing good while shopping is an excellent idea', a choice appreciated especially by women and young people under 24.

THE IMPACT OF COVID AND THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE

In 2021, one in three donors changed their association of reference for their donations. 37% of respondents happened not to donate to a non-profit association, which they used to donate, due to the pandemic. The dramatic events related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have aroused the positive reaction of Italians. 60% of the sample interviewed said they had made a donation to the Ukrainian population. Clothes and money for the most (30%), followed by food (24%), medicines (18%) and toys (13%).

"The world of donations – due to the COVID 19 Pandemic – has had to revolutionize its way of relating to its donors and supporters; we are still in a phase of transition where Digital is playing a key role – explains Antonio Filoni, Partner and Head of Digital of BVA DOXA – it is not only the payment method that is digitized but the contact, dialogue and relationship becomes virtual, this more important and central to create a bond that the donor seeks in expressing with a gesture his desire to do good."

(BVA Doxa)

August 31, 2022

Source: https://www.bva-doxa.com/donne-e-giovani-sempre-piu-propensi-a-donare/

 

NORTH AMERICA

758-43-11/Polls

More So Than Adults, U S Teens Value People Feeling Safe Online Over Being Able To Speak Freely

Teens and adults in the United States differ on a key issue tied to online speech and its consequences. A majority of teens ages 13 to 17 say a welcoming, safe online environment is more important than people being able to speak their minds freely online, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. A separate survey of Americans 18 and older shows that adults’ views on the same question are more evenly divided.

A bar chart showing that a majority of U.S. teens say people feeling welcome and safe online is more important than being able to speak freely, while a smaller share of adults say this

Overall, 62% of teens say people being able to feel welcome and safe online is more important than people being able to speak their minds freely online, while 38% hold the opposite view. By comparison, half of adults say a welcoming and safe online environment is more important, while a similar share (47%) put more value on people being able to speak their minds freely online.

Adults ages 18 to 29 differ from their younger teen counterparts on this question. Some 57% of adults in this age group favor the idea that people should be able to speak their minds freely online. Those 65 and older, by contrast, are the only age group whose views are similar to teens’: 58% of these Americans say feeling welcome and safe online is more important.

How we did this

A bar chart showing that about six-in-ten U.S. teens think people take offensive content online too seriously; views of adults under 65 are largely similar

But there is also nuance in people’s views of online speech. For example, when asked which of two statements about the way people react to offensive content online comes closer to their view, the majority of teens (59%) think that many people take such content too seriously, as do 54% of adults. Smaller shares in both groups believe offensive content online is too often excused as “not a big deal” (40% of teens and 44% of adults).

Similar to teens, about six-in-ten adults ages 18 to 29 (62%) say offensive content is taken too seriously, as do 56% of those ages 30 to 64. By contrast, just 41% of adults 65 and older say the same.

These new results are from two Center surveys – one of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted April 14-May 4, 2022, and one of U.S. adults conducted March 21-27, 2022. They come in the wake of heightened bipartisan calls for tech companies to address cyberbullying and create a safe environment for teens. They also come amid continued court battles over whether schools can impose consequences on adolescents for what they say online – and broader debates about people being banned by social media platforms or “canceled” by their peers.

Politics shapes views about online discourse among both teens and adults

In both surveys, Americans’ views on these topics break sharply along partisan lines. But regardless of what party they identify with or lean toward, teens are more likely than adults with similar partisan leanings to say allowing for safe spaces online is more important than being able to speak freely online.

A bar chart showing that adults’ and teens’ views of online discourse are split along political lines – but regardless of party, greater shares of teens than adults back safe spaces online

Some 71% of teens who identify as Democrats or lean toward the Democratic Party say this, compared with 62% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning adults. About half of Republican-identifying or GOP-leaning teens (49%) also back a welcoming and safe environment – 13 percentage points greater than the share of Republican and GOP-leaning adults (36%) who hold the same view.

Among both teens and adults, though, there are substantial differences by party. Republican teens are 23 points more likely than Democratic teens to say being able to speak freely online is more important. Among adults, Republicans are 26 points more likely than Democrats to say the same. Democratic adults instead are more likely to favor welcoming, safe spaces by the same margin.

On the question of offensive content, teens’ and adults’ views within each party are similar. Gaps between parties emerge for both teens and adults: Democratic teens are more likely than Republican teens to say that offensive content online is too often excused as not a big deal (50% vs. 27%), and there is a similar pattern for Democratic versus Republican adults (55% vs. 32%). By comparison, 72% of Republican teens and 67% of Republican adults say many take offensive content they see online too seriously.

Among adults, views on these topics within each political party have continued to evolve over the past several years. In 2017, when Pew Research Center first asked adults these questions, Democrats and Republicans held largely similar views about the balance of online safe spaces versus freedom of expression. That changed in 2020 and the partisan split on this question has widened from 16 to 26 points in the past two years. On the question about offensive content online, the partisan gap among adults has slightly narrowed since 2020 but remains pronounced. Adults’ overall views on this question have remained largely unchanged during this period.

A line graph showing that over the past two years, Republicans and Democrats have become increasingly divided on priorities for the online environment; they are also split on the seriousness of offensive content online

The changes since 2020 are largely driven by those at the ideological poles in their respective parties. The share of conservative Republican adults who say free speech is more important in this context has risen from 57% in 2020 to 68% today, even as the view that offensive content is taken too seriously among that group has dipped somewhat from 74% to 67%. Liberal Democrats are now slightly more likely to think offensive content is taken too seriously than in 2020 (rising from 31% to 39%), but the majority of this group think it’s too often excused as not a big deal (61% say this today, compared with 68% in 2020).

Attitudes among teens, adults also differ by demographic factors

Views of the online environment that teens and adults encounter also vary by race, ethnicity and gender. 

For example, Black and Hispanic teens are more likely than their White peers to say that feeling welcome and safe online is more important than free speech online, and that offensive content is too often excused as not a big deal.

A bar chart showing that Black and Hispanic teens are more likely than White teens to prioritize safety online over free speech and to think offensive content is too often excused as not a big deal

Among adults, those who are Black (60%) are more likely than either White (50%) or Hispanic (46%) adults to prioritize feeling welcome and safe. Black adults are also more likely than Hispanic adults to say offensive content is too often excused as not a big deal (51% vs. 38%). The views of White and Hispanic adults are statistically similar on both questions. (There were not enough Asian teens or adults in the samples to be broken out into a separate analysis. As always, their responses are incorporated into the general population figures throughout this analysis.)

Teen girls are also more likely than teen boys to prioritize feeling welcome and safe and to say offensive content is too often excused. Similarly, adult women (58%) are more likely than adult men (42%) to value a welcoming, safe environment and to feel people too often excuse offensive material as not a big deal (50% vs. 38%).

In many cases, differences are still present when accounting for other relevant characteristics that may be playing a role. Differences in by party and gender remain among teens on both questions when controlling for other factors, as do differences by race and ethnicity for views of offensive content. Among adults, party, age and gender matter after controlling for demographics.

(PEW)

AUGUST 30, 2022

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/08/30/more-so-than-adults-u-s-teens-value-people-feeling-safe-online-over-being-able-to-speak-freely/

 

758-43-12/Polls

About Six-In-Ten Black Adults Say Racism And Police Brutality Are Extremely Big Problems For Black People In The U S Today

More than a year after the murder of George Floyd and the national protests, debate and political promises that ensued, 65% of Black Americans say the increased national attention on racial inequality has not led to changes that improved their lives.1 And 44% say equality for Black people in the United States is not likely to be achieved, according to newly released findings from an October 2021 survey of Black Americans by Pew Research Center.

This is somewhat of a reversal in views from September 2020, when half of Black adults said the increased national focus on issues of race would lead to major policy changes to address racial inequality in the country and 56% expected changes that would make their lives better.

At the same time, many Black Americans are concerned about racial discrimination and its impact. Roughly eight-in-ten say they have personally experienced discrimination because of their race or ethnicity (79%), and most also say discrimination is the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead (68%).  

Even so, Black Americans have a clear vision for how to achieve change when it comes to racial inequality. This includes support for significant reforms to or complete overhauls of several U.S. institutions to ensure fair treatment, particularly the criminal justice system; political engagement, primarily in the form of voting; support for Black businesses to advance Black communities; and reparations in the forms of educational, business and homeownership assistance. Yet alongside their assessments of inequality and ideas about progress exists pessimism about whether U.S. society and its institutions will change in ways that would reduce racism.

These findings emerge from an extensive Pew Research Center survey of 3,912 Black Americans conducted online Oct. 4-17, 2021. The survey explores how Black Americans assess their position in U.S. society and their ideas about social change. Overall, Black Americans are clear on what they think the problems are facing the country and how to remedy them. However, they are skeptical that meaningful changes will take place in their lifetime.

Black Americans see racism in our laws as a big problem and discrimination as a roadblock to progress

Bar chart showing about six-in-ten Black adults say racism and police brutality are extremely big problems for Black people in the U.S. today

Black adults were asked in the survey to assess the current nature of racism in the United States and whether structural or individual sources of this racism are a bigger problem for Black people. About half of Black adults (52%) say racism in our laws is a bigger problem than racism by individual people, while four-in-ten (43%) say acts of racism committed by individual people is the bigger problem. Only 3% of Black adults say that Black people do not experience discrimination in the U.S. today.

In assessing the magnitude of problems that they face, the majority of Black Americans say racism (63%), police brutality (60%) and economic inequality (54%) are extremely or very big problems for Black people living in the U.S. Slightly smaller shares say the same about the affordability of health care (47%), limitations on voting (46%), and the quality of K-12 schools (40%).

Aside from their critiques of U.S. institutions, Black adults also feel the impact of racial inequality personally. Most Black adults say they occasionally or frequently experience unfair treatment because of their race or ethnicity (79%), and two-thirds (68%) cite racial discrimination as the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead today.

Black Americans’ views on reducing racial inequality

Bar chart showing many Black adults say institutional overhauls are necessary to ensure fair treatment

Black Americans are clear on the challenges they face because of racism. They are also clear on the solutions. These range from overhauls of policing practices and the criminal justice system to civic engagement and reparations to descendants of people enslaved in the United States.

Changing U.S. institutions such as policing, courts and prison systems

About nine-in-ten Black adults say multiple aspects of the criminal justice system need some kind of change (minor, major or a complete overhaul) to ensure fair treatment, with nearly all saying so about policing (95%), the courts and judicial process (95%), and the prison system (94%).

Roughly half of Black adults say policing (49%), the courts and judicial process (48%), and the prison system (54%) need to be completely rebuilt for Black people to be treated fairly. Smaller shares say the same about the political system (42%), the economic system (37%) and the health care system (34%), according to the October survey.

While Black Americans are in favor of significant changes to policing, most want spending on police departments in their communities to stay the same (39%) or increase (35%). A little more than one-in-five (23%) think spending on police departments in their area should be decreased.

Black adults who favor decreases in police spending are most likely to name medical, mental health and social services (40%) as the top priority for those reappropriated funds. Smaller shares say K-12 schools (25%), roads, water systems and other infrastructure (12%), and reducing taxes (13%) should be the top priority.

Voting and ‘buying Black’ viewed as important strategies for Black community advancement

Black Americans also have clear views on the types of political and civic engagement they believe will move Black communities forward. About six-in-ten Black adults say voting (63%) and supporting Black businesses or “buying Black” (58%) are extremely or very effective strategies for moving Black people toward equality in the U.S. Smaller though still significant shares say the same about volunteering with organizations dedicated to Black equality (48%), protesting (42%) and contacting elected officials (40%).

Black adults were also asked about the effectiveness of Black economic and political independence in moving them toward equality. About four-in-ten (39%) say Black ownership of all businesses in Black neighborhoods would be an extremely or very effective strategy for moving toward racial equality, while roughly three-in-ten (31%) say the same about establishing a national Black political party. And about a quarter of Black adults (27%) say having Black neighborhoods governed entirely by Black elected officials would be extremely or very effective in moving Black people toward equality.

Most Black Americans support repayment for slavery

Discussions about atonement for slavery predate the founding of the United States. As early as 1672, Quaker abolitionists advocated for enslaved people to be paid for their labor once they were free. And in recent years, some U.S. cities and institutions have implemented reparations policies to do just that.

Most Black Americans say the legacy of slavery affects the position of Black people in the U.S. either a great deal (55%) or a fair amount (30%), according to the survey. And roughly three-quarters (77%) say descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should be repaid in some way.

Black adults who say descendants of the enslaved should be repaid support doing so in different ways. About eight-in-ten say repayment in the forms of educational scholarships (80%), financial assistance for starting or improving a business (77%), and financial assistance for buying or remodeling a home (76%) would be extremely or very helpful. A slightly smaller share (69%) say cash payments would be extremely or very helpful forms of repayment for the descendants of enslaved people.

Where the responsibility for repayment lies is also clear for Black Americans. Among those who say the descendants of enslaved people should be repaid, 81% say the U.S. federal government should have all or most of the responsibility for repayment. About three-quarters (76%) say businesses and banks that profited from slavery should bear all or most of the responsibility for repayment. And roughly six-in-ten say the same about colleges and universities that benefited from slavery (63%) and descendants of families who engaged in the slave trade (60%).

Black Americans are skeptical change will happen

Bar chart showing little hope among Black adults that changes to address racial inequality are likely

Even though Black Americans’ visions for social change are clear, very few expect them to be implemented. Overall, 44% of Black adults say equality for Black people in the U.S. is a little or not at all likely. A little over a third (38%) say it is somewhat likely and only 13% say it is extremely or very likely.

They also do not think specific institutions will change. Two-thirds of Black adults say changes to the prison system (67%) and the courts and judicial process (65%) that would ensure fair treatment for Black people are a little or not at all likely in their lifetime. About six-in-ten (58%) say the same about policing. Only about one-in-ten say changes to policing (13%), the courts and judicial process (12%), and the prison system (11%) are extremely or very likely.

This pessimism is not only about the criminal justice system. The majority of Black adults say the political (63%), economic (62%) and health care (51%) systems are also unlikely to change in their lifetime.

Black Americans’ vision for social change includes reparations. However, much like their pessimism about institutional change, very few think they will see reparations in their lifetime. Among Black adults who say the descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should be repaid, 82% say reparations for slavery are unlikely to occur in their lifetime. About one-in-ten (11%) say repayment is somewhat likely, while only 7% say repayment is extremely or very likely to happen in their lifetime.

Black Democrats, Republicans differ on assessments of inequality and visions for social change

Bar chart showing Black adults differ by party in their views on racial discrimination and changes to policing

Party affiliation is one key point of difference among Black Americans in their assessments of racial inequality and their visions for social change. Black Republicans and Republican leaners are more likely than Black Democrats and Democratic leaners to focus on the acts of individuals. For example, when summarizing the nature of racism against Black people in the U.S., the majority of Black Republicans (59%) say racist acts committed by individual people is a bigger problem for Black people than racism in our laws. Black Democrats (41%) are less likely to hold this view.

Black Republicans (45%) are also more likely than Black Democrats (21%) to say that Black people who cannot get ahead in the U.S. are mostly responsible for their own condition. And while similar shares of Black Republicans (79%) and Democrats (80%) say they experience racial discrimination on a regular basis, Republicans (64%) are more likely than Democrats (36%) to say that most Black people who want to get ahead can make it if they are willing to work hard.

On the other hand, Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to focus on the impact that racial inequality has on Black Americans. Seven-in-ten Black Democrats (73%) say racial discrimination is the main reason many Black people cannot get ahead in the U.S, while about four-in-ten Black Republicans (44%) say the same. And Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to say racism (67% vs. 46%) and police brutality (65% vs. 44%) are extremely big problems for Black people today.

Black Democrats are also more critical of U.S. institutions than Black Republicans are. For example, Black Democrats are more likely than Black Republicans to say the prison system (57% vs. 35%), policing (52% vs. 29%) and the courts and judicial process (50% vs. 35%) should be completely rebuilt for Black people to be treated fairly.

While the share of Black Democrats who want to see large-scale changes to the criminal justice system exceeds that of Black Republicans, they share similar views on police funding. Four-in-ten each of Black Democrats and Black Republicans say funding for police departments in their communities should remain the same, while around a third of each partisan coalition (36% and 37%, respectively) says funding should increase. Only about one-in-four Black Democrats (24%) and one-in-five Black Republicans (21%) say funding for police departments in their communities should decrease.

Among the survey’s other findings:

Black adults differ by age in their views on political strategies. Black adults ages 65 and older (77%) are most likely to say voting is an extremely or very effective strategy for moving Black people toward equality. They are significantly more likely than Black adults ages 18 to 29 (48%) and 30 to 49 (60%) to say this. Black adults 65 and older (48%) are also more likely than those ages 30 to 49 (38%) and 50 to 64 (42%) to say protesting is an extremely or very effective strategy. Roughly four-in-ten Black adults ages 18 to 29 say this (44%).

Gender plays a role in how Black adults view policing. Though majorities of Black women (65%) and men (56%) say police brutality is an extremely big problem for Black people living in the U.S. today, Black women are more likely than Black men to hold this view. When it comes to criminal justice, Black women (56%) and men (51%) are about equally likely to share the view that the prison system should be completely rebuilt to ensure fair treatment of Black people. However, Black women (52%) are slightly more likely than Black men (45%) to say this about policing. On the matter of police funding, Black women (39%) are slightly more likely than Black men (31%) to say police funding in their communities should be increased. On the other hand, Black men are more likely than Black women to prefer that funding stay the same (44% vs. 36%). Smaller shares of both Black men (23%) and women (22%) would like to see police funding decreased.

Income impacts Black adults’ views on reparations. Roughly eight-in-ten Black adults with lower (78%), middle (77%) and upper incomes (79%) say the descendants of people enslaved in the U.S. should receive reparations. Among those who support reparations, Black adults with upper and middle incomes (both 84%) are more likely than those with lower incomes (75%) to say educational scholarships would be an extremely or very helpful form of repayment. However, of those who support reparations, Black adults with lower (72%) and middle incomes (68%) are more likely than those with higher incomes (57%) to say cash payments would be an extremely or very helpful form of repayment for slavery.

(PEW)

AUGUST 30, 2022

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/race-ethnicity/2022/08/30/black-americans-have-a-clear-vision-for-reducing-racism-but-little-hope-it-will-happen/

 

758-43-13/Polls

Entrepreneurship Of The Elderly; 33% Of Older Adults Consider It As An Alternative To Maintain Their Autonomy

Starting a business idea is becoming more and more popular in emerging economies. Colombia, for example, is the fourth country with the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity in the world, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, published in May 2021.

Santander, for example, is considered by experts as an excellent market to undertake. The new companies registered in the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce between January and March of this year were 4,461, 29% of the ventures that took place in 2021. It is noteworthy that women bet more on entrepreneurship than men, since they they represent 52.4%. However, in these statistics the elderly are not visible, a population that demands greater social and productive inclusion.

Colombia has 6.8 million older adults, of which 45% are men and 55% women. It is estimated that by 2050 this figure will reach 14 million older adults, according to Dane (2020). This is a reality that puts on the table the need to implement timely actions from the private and public sectors, which allow improving the quality of life of this population.

In response to these needs, the Future Pension and Unemployment Fund in alliance with the Universidad del Rosario set up the first Observatory for Entrepreneurship of the Elderly in Colombia. It is an avant-garde initiative in the country that will serve as a platform to leverage the development of productive activities and entrepreneurship of this population.

Its consolidation and start-up has been a work of more than three years, whose genesis was the importance of meeting various needs of this population, including learning, being productive to their social environment and generating other economic income.

Work and monitoring

In 2019, the Centro Nacional de Consultoría and the Future carried out an investigation in which 48% of the older adults surveyed said they "wanted to continue learning and not feel relegated."

This is how the entrepreneurship program “Enjoying your Future” was born, an alliance between the Universidad del Rosario and the AFP, an academic and practical training program that helped pensioners and people close to receiving the return of balances materialize business ideas. . In total, 51 pensioners graduated and 11 business ideas were generated, of which the three best initiatives were supported.

A year later, in 2020, and taking the Covid-19 pandemic as a frame of reference, the firm Raddar and Porvenir conducted a survey to delve into the welfare situation of the elderly in our country.

The survey confirmed the need to adopt initiatives aimed at entrepreneurship that generate socio-economic well-being for older adults and, therefore, they continue to feel part of the activity of society. In addition, it confirmed that the pension translates into quality of life and stability for this population group.

With the creation of the Observatory for the Entrepreneurship of the Elderly in Colombia, a training program is launched under the virtual modality, focused on five modules called: Revitalize yourself, Empower yourself, Activate yourself, Learn and Undertake. Through these modules, business ideas will be generated, the elderly will be empowered to feel an active part of society, they will be guided in the control and management of their resources and they will be accompanied in the process of materializing their business.

“We see in entrepreneurship an opportunity not only to promote the productive inclusion of our older adults, but also the possibility for them to continue having an active and healthy life. They are, and will continue to be, managers of great social transformations, for which we applaud this alliance with the Universidad del Rosario”, said Miguel Largacha Martínez, president of the Porvenir Pension and Severance Fund, during the presentation of the Observatory.

This Observatory will also serve as a platform to carry out research on the socio-economic problems of retired and non-pensioned older adults (taking into account 55-year-old women and 60-year-old men) and progress will be made in the consolidation of a consultation website that serves as a repository for the research and programs carried out within the framework of this alliance.

Results by regions

Samples: Older adults from Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Barranquilla and Bucaramanga.

- 33% of older adults consider entrepreneurship as an alternative to maintain their autonomy.

- Bucaramanga and Barranquilla are the cities where they have the greatest willingness to undertake, with 50%.

- 14% of older adults in Medellin express their interest in labor independence for having a family business tradition.

- Micro-businesses between 2019 and 2020: Led by women 95% and by men 89%.

- In Bucaramanga and Medellín, women have greater participation in the creation of micro-businesses.

- Barranquilla has the lowest proportion of men with micro-businesses and, for this reason, the largest gender gap.

- Except in Medellín, entrepreneurship motivates men more than women.

- In Barranquilla, Bucaramanga and Cali, women expressed that having greater independence is one of the main reasons that motivates them to create their own business.

- Regarding micro-businesses, the results showed that in the sectors of hotels and restaurants (17%) and artistic and home activities (16%) women have a greater presence.

- In activities where there is physical effort, such as transport and storage (13%) and construction (11.6%), the participation of older men is practically total.

(CNC)

AUGUST 30, 2022

Source: https://www.centronacionaldeconsultoria.com/en/post/alliance-between-porvenir-and-the-u-del-rosario-will-promote-the-entrepreneurship-of-the-elderly

 

AUSTRALIA

758-43-14/Polls

Roy Morgan Business Confidence Up 1.1pts To 96.0

In August 2022 Roy Morgan Business Confidence was 96.0 (up 1.1pts since July), the first monthly increase for four months since April 2022.

The increase was the first for Business Confidence since the RBA began increasing interest rates in early May for the first time in over a decade. The RBA has now increased interest rates by 1.75% over the last four months and is expected to raise interest rates again next week by a further 0.5%.

There were mixed results across the index in August with businesses growing more confident about longer-term prospects for the Australian economy while being more concerned about the next year and less likely to invest in growing the business in the next 12 months.

The positive moves that propelled the index higher was the 41.2% of businesses (up 3.6ppts) that now expect ‘good times’ for the economy over the next five years and the 43.5% of businesses (up 2.1ppts) that say they expect the business to be ‘better off’ financially this time next year.

Business Confidence is now 17.3pts below the long-term average of 113.3 but is significantly higher than the latest Consumer Confidence - ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence of 85.6 for August 15-21, 2022.

Roy Morgan Monthly Business Confidence -- Australia

Source: Roy Morgan Business Single Source, Dec 2010-Aug 2022. Average monthly sample over the last 12 months = 1,442.

Business Confidence is down from a year ago in all States except NSW

Business Confidence in August is down by 5.5pts (-5.4%) from a year ago to 96.0 but is 12.9pts higher than two years ago in August 2020 (83.1) during Victoria’s second wave of COVID-19.

The index is down in all States except NSW which is now at 106.4, an increase of 8.6pts (+8.8%) on a year ago and now with the highest Business Confidence of any State. It’s worth remembering that NSW entered a full lockdown late in June 2021 and spent the entire month of August last year in a lockdown.

The only other State with a positive Business Confidence above the neutral level of 100 in August is Western Australia at 103.8, although this represents a decline of 12.9pts (-11%) on a year ago.

Business Confidence is down from a year ago in the other four States. The largest fall was in South Australia, down 33.3pts (-30.2%) to 77.2 and now the lowest of any State. There were also big falls in Tasmania, down 32.5pts (-25.2%) to 96.3, and Queensland, down 20.4pts (-20.4%) to 79.3.

In Victoria, which faces a hotly contested State Election in under three months’ time, Business Confidence was down marginally by 5.6pts (-5.7%) to 92.6 to be just below the national average.

Business Confidence by State in August 2021 vs August 2022

Source: Roy Morgan Business Single Source, August 2021, n=1,301, August 2022, n=1,398. Base: Australian businesses. *Tasmanian Business Confidence is measured over two months: July-August 2021 cf. July-August 2022.

Education & Training, Accommodation & Food Services, Mining, Property & Business Services and Community Services are the most confident industries in the last two months

The Education & Training industry was by far the most confident in July-August 2022 with Business Confidence almost 30% higher than the national average at 123.6. This represents a significant increase of 17pts (+16%) on a year ago when the flow of international students into the country was heavily constrained by Australia’s closed international borders.

Accommodation & Food Services was the second most confident industry with Business Confidence almost 20% higher than the national average at 113.2. This figure is 14.6pts (+14.8%) higher than a year ago and continues the strong results seen for this industry during 2022 as travel restrictions around Australia were removed and people were finally able to take long-delayed holidays.

The star performer over the last year has been the Mining industry which now has Business Confidence of 112.9, an increase of 43.8pts (+63.4%) on a year ago. This is clearly the largest increase of any industry over the last year and is not surprising when one considers Australia has enjoyed a series of record high trade surpluses. The most recent data available shows Australia with a monthly trade surplus of $17.7 billion in June 2022 built largely on resource exports of coal, gas and iron ore.

These three industries are among only seven with Business Confidence higher than the neutral level of 100 in July-August 2022.

Other industries with Business Confidence over 10pts higher than the national average include Property & Business Services on 111.0, but down 5.2pts (-4.4%) on a year ago, Community Services on 109.9, down 1.8pts (-1.6%) on a year ago, Administrative & Support Services on 109.3, up 4.3pts (+4.1%) on a year ago and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services on 105.7, up 4.9pts (+4.8%) on a year ago.

Three industries have very low Business Confidence in July-August 2022 more than 20% below the national average of 95.5. These industries include Finance & Insurance, which is the lowest of all on only 68.8, down a large 33.0pts (-32.4%) on a year ago, Electricity, gas & water on 71.5, down 38.6pts (-35.1%) on a year ago, and Retail on 73.2, down a massive 44.3pts (-37.7%) on a year ago.

Other industries with far lower than average Business Confidence include Construction on 83.4, down 21.9pts (-20.8%) on a year ago, Transport, Postal & Warehousing 88.6, down 30.3pts (-25.5%) on a year ago and Agriculture on 89.3, following a large drop of 42.1pts (-32%) on a year ago.

Business Confidence for Top 5 and Bottom 5 Industries in July – August 2022

Source: Roy Morgan Business Single Source, July-August 2022, n=3,039. Base: Australian businesses. Note: In the chart above green bars represent Business Confidence in positive territory above the national average and red bars represent Business Confidence well below the national average and below the neutral level of 100.

Businesses are positive about their own prospects but continue to expect ‘bad times’ for the Australian economy’s performance over the next year and next five years

  • A decreasing plurality of businesses, 37.2% (down 1.6ppts), said the business is ‘better off’ financially than this time a year ago while over a third, 36.8% (up 0.1ppts), said the business is ‘worse off’;
  • Businesses are increasingly positive about their own prospects for the next year with 43.5% (up 2.1ppts) of businesses, expecting the business will be ‘better off’ financially this time next year, while just over a quarter, 26.9% (down 1.1ppts) expect the business will be ‘worse off’;
  • However, an increasing majority of businesses, 58.3% (up 0.5ppts) expect ‘bad times’ for Australia’s economic performance over the next year while under half, 39.8% (down 0.9ppts), expect ‘good times’;
  • Businesses are more positive on the longer-term outlook for the Australian economy with 41.2% (up 3.6ppts) of businesses expecting ‘good times’ for the Australian economy over the next five years while an increasing majority of 53.6% (down 4.2ppts) expect ‘bad times’ over the next five years;
  • However, businesses are wary about investing in growing their business with only 43.5% (down 0.5ppts) saying the next 12 months will be a ‘good time to invest in growing the business’, (the lowest figure for this indicator for two years since August 2020) while a clear plurality of 49.4% (up 1.4ppts) said it will be a ‘bad time to invest’ in growing the business.

Michele Levine, CEO of Roy Morgan, says Business Confidence was up in August for the first time since the RBA began to increase interest rates in May and the rating remains significantly higher than the comparable figure for Consumer Confidence now at only 85.6:

“Roy Morgan Business Confidence increased by 1.1pts to 96 in August, the first increase for the index in four months. The increase was driven by more confidence about the performance of the economy over the next five years, up 2.1% points to 43.5%, and businesses becoming increasingly confident about their prospects over the next 12 months, up 3.6% points to 41.2%.

“Although those indicators are moving in the right direction, businesses are increasingly concerned about the short-term performance of the Australian economy with a majority of 58.3% (up 0.5ppts) expecting ‘bad times’ for Australia’s economic performance over the next year.

“Despite this month’s increase in the headline figure, the index is down 17 points (-15%) since the RBA began the current cycle of interest rate increases. The RBA has now raised official interest rates at four straight meetings by a total of 1.75% to 1.85%, the fastest rate of increases since 1994, and they are now at their highest for over six years since early 2016.

“The cycle of increases is set to continue next week when the RBA is expected to raise interest rates for a fifth straight month. However, the growing confidence in August suggests interest rate increases are not impacting businesses as negatively as they are hitting consumers – the most recent ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Rating for late July is at only 85.6 – over 10 points lower.

“The larger impact of interest rate rises on consumers is not surprising when one considers that the average size of bank loans and mortgages in today’s economy are far larger than they were in previous periods and even small changes to interest rates will have a larger impact than they used to.

“On an industry basis the most confident industries in July-August 2022 are Education & Training at 123.6, Accommodation & Food Services at 113.2 and Mining at 112.9 – all of which are significantly more confident than a year ago and over 15% above the national average.

“The three industries have benefited from the end of pandemic restrictions with international students returning to Australia in large numbers, and the re-opening of internal borders allowing Australians to take holidays this year that have been delayed for the last two years.

“Resource companies have benefited from increased demand for energy products in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as the rebounding world economy as countries have re-opened this year. Australia’s trade surplus hit a record high of $17.7 billion in June based largely on booming resource exports of gas, coal and iron ore.

“In contrast there are three industries for which Business Confidence is at very low levels more than 20% below the national average including Finance & Insurance, down 33pts (-32.4%) to 68.8, Electricity, gas & water, down 38.6pts (-35.1%) to 71.5 and Retail, down a large 44.3pts (-37.7%) to 73.2.”

(Roy Morgan)

August 29 2022

Source: https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9063-roy-morgan-business-confidence-august-2022-202208290229

 

758-43-15/Polls

Australians Prefer To Partner With The EU Economically But Favour The Us For A Security Partnership

A special Roy Morgan SMS survey taken in late August shows a clear majority of 61% of Australians say they prefer partnering with the USA for security issues but for partnering economically the European Union comes out on top, favoured by 43% of Australians.

In terms of security issues, the USA is favoured by 61% of Australians and is far ahead of any other contenders including the European Union (22%) and United Kingdom (14%). Considered together, over a third of Australians, 36%, select one of the two European based partners. In contrast, only 2.5% of people say they prefer Australia to partner with China regarding security issues and only 0.5% nominate Russia.

When it comes to partnering economically the views of Australians are more varied with a plurality of 43% favouring the European Union, a quarter preferring the USA (25%) and over a fifth, 22%, preferring the United Kingdom.

Nearly one-in-ten respondents say Australia should partner with China (9%) economically but only 1% nominate Russia as a preferred economic partner.

This special Roy Morgan SMS survey was conducted in late August with a representative cross-section of 1,240 Australians aged 18+.

Respondents were asked: "Which of the following would you prefer Australia to partner with economically? The USA, China, Russia, the EU or the UK?" and "Which of the following would you prefer Australia to partner with regarding security issues? The USA, China, Russia, the EU or the UK?"

Which of the following would you prefer Australia to partner with: Economically or for Security Issues

Source: Roy Morgan SMS survey in Australia conducted on August 19-22, 2022, n=1,240. Base: Australians aged 18+.

Women prefer the EU & UK for an economic partnership whereas men prefer EU & USA

Analysis by gender shows that women clearly prefer the European Union (47%) as an economic partner for Australia ahead of the United Kingdom (27%) while only a fifth mention the USA (20%). One-in-twenty women would prefer Australia partner with China (5%) and only 1% prefer Russia.

A smaller plurality of men prefer Australia to partner economically with the European Union (39%) ahead of the USA (29.5%) in a clear second place and under a fifth mention the United Kingdom (18%). Around one-in-eight men say Australia should partner with China economically (13%) but fewer than 1% prefer Russia.

Analysing by age group shows over 40% of all age groups prefer that Australia partner with the European Union economically but there is a divergence between younger and older Australians regarding the second preference. Australians aged 18-34 and 35-49 prefer the United Kingdom ahead of the USA whereas for Australians aged 50+ there is a clear preference for the USA ahead of the United Kingdom.

Analysis by Gender:
‘Which of the following would you prefer Australia to partner with Economically’

Source: Roy Morgan SMS survey in Australia conducted on August 19-22, 2022, n=1,240. Base: Australians aged 18+.

Analysis by Gender & Age:
‘Which of the following would you prefer Australia to partner with Economically’

Total

Australia

Gender

Age

Men

Women

18-34

35-49

50-64

65+

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

European Union

43

39

47

45

45

40.5

41.5

USA

25

29.5

20

22

19.5

30.5

30.5

United Kingdom

22

18

27

25.5

23

19

19

China

9

13

5

7.5

12

8

9

Russia

1

0.5

1

-

0.5

2

-

TOTAL

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

A majority of men and women prefer that Australia partner with the USA for security

Analysis by gender shows a clear majority of both men (66.5%) and women (54.5%) say Australia should partner with the USA in regards to security issues.

In second place for both genders is the European Union mentioned by 23.5% of women and almost as many men (20.5%). Nearly one-in-five women (19%) say Australia should partner with the United Kingdom for security issues, twice as likely as men (9.5%). Under 5% of either men (3.5%) or women (3%) mention either China or Russia.

Majorities of all age groups prefer the USA as a security partner over any other contender and this preference increases with age from 51% of 18-34yr olds up to 69.5% of people aged 65+.

The European Union is also the second preference of all age groups although that preference decreases with age from a high of 32% of 18-34 yr olds down to only 17.5% of people aged 65+.

Analysis by Gender:
‘Which of the following would you prefer Australia to partner with regarding security issues’

Source: Roy Morgan SMS survey in Australia conducted on August 19-22, 2022, n=1,240. Base: Australians aged 18+.

Analysis by Gender:
‘Which of the following would you prefer Australia to partner with regarding Security Issues’

Total

Australia

Gender

Age

Men

Women

18-34

35-49

50-64

65+

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

USA

61

66.5

54.5

51

60.5

63.5

69.5

European Union

22

20.5

23.5

32

20

18

17.5

United Kingdom

14

9.5

19

14.5

16

13

11.5

China

2.5

3

2.5

2.5

3.5

3

1.5

Russia

0.5

0.5

0.5

-

-

2.5

-

TOTAL

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Michele Levine, Chief Executive Officer Roy Morgan, says Australians take a nuanced approach to our economic and security arrangements with the European Union preferred for an economic partnership and the United States clearly preferred for a security alliance:

“Australians are split on who the country should partner with economically and in regards to security issues. When it comes to an economic partnership the European Union is selected by 43% of respondents as the preferred partner, well ahead of the USA (25%) and United Kingdom (22%). 

“Interestingly, only 9% of Australians select China as the preferred economic partner despite the East Asian powerhouse being easily Australia’s largest two-way trading partner. In 2021 Australia had AUD $293.6 Billion two-way trade with China, over three-times as much as second-placed Japan on $87.2 Billion and the European Union in third place on $83.4 Billion.

“The United States was Australia’s fourth largest two-way trading partner in 2021 with total trade of $68.2 Billion but the United Kingdom didn’t even make the top ten, coming in as the 12th largest trading partner with total trade of $21.7 Billion.

“The preference for the European Union as an economic partner is unanimous across both genders and all age groups but the second choice is split between the United Kingdom (women and people aged 18-49) and the United States (men and people aged 50+).

“When it comes to a security partnership the United States is preferred by over three-fifths of Australians (61%) – and majorities of both men (66.5%) and women (54.5%) and all age groups nominate the United States as the preferred security partner.

“This is not surprising given Australia’s history and reliance on the United States security guarantee since World War II. Australia is closely aligned with the USA in security alliances including ANZUS, signed in 1951 between Australia, New Zealand and the USA, and more recently AUKUS, signed in 2021 between Australia, the United Kingdom and the USA.

“These security agreements rely on the military power of the United States as their under-pinning and securely lock Australia into the military alliance structure centered on the United States.

“The European Union is preferred as a security partner by 22% of Australians and a further 14% nominate the United Kingdom. However, even combining these figures is only around half as many as those who mentioned the United States.”

(Roy Morgan)

September 01 2022

Source: https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9046-gallup-international-economic-security-ratings-august-2022-202209010449

 

MULTICOUNTRY STUDIES

758-43-16/Polls

49% Of The World's Population, On Average, Feels Guilty About Its Impact On The Environment, A Study In 15 Countries

Main results

49% of the world's population, on average, feels guilty about its impact on the environment, hence more and more people are willing to modify their habits to limit this impact

Spain is the European country of the five analyzed in this study with the lowest percentage of activist population, leading the European list France (28%), followed by Germany (24%).

Half of the Spanish population thinks that we are on the verge of the sixth extinction of living beings on the Planet.

In this context, more and more people are showing their concern about this issue and becoming aware of the need to act urgently. In fact, concern about climate change registers the largest rise for the second consecutive month, while concern about the escalation of prices remains stable and other issues, such as the pandemic (20%) or the war in Ukraine (12%), are no longer so present in our concerns.

The majority of the world's population believes that natural disasters will become more frequent and severe in the future.

Increased concern for the environment and climate change around the world is directly related to extreme weather events and natural disasters that are shaking the world more and more frequently. In fact, worldwide, a large majority of the population, 82%, on average, thinks that these natural disasters will be more frequent, and even more severe, in the future, a feeling shared by 84% of Spanish citizens. In addition, 44% of people worldwide, on average, affirm that the living beings of the Earth are on the verge of a sixth mass extinction, a percentage that rises to 48% in the case of Spain.

Faced with this situation, more and more people consider that climate change and its effects pose a danger to themselves and their country, as well as to the planet. In fact, Spain is one of the countries where more people perceive climate change as a threat to the country, 42%, and even leads the European ranking where the perception of personal risk is higher (23%), followed by Germany (19%).

Citizens become aware of the need to act urgently

The report reveals that half of global citizens, 49%, on average, believe that we are at a critical moment and we must act immediately, the same percentage as in Spain. In fact, 80% of the world's population, on average, blames human behavior for natural disasters and climate change, 82% in the case of Spain. All this translates into an increase in guilt in this regard in the last month: 49% of the world's population, on average, feels guilty about its impact on the environment.

In order to limit this impact, more and more people are changing their habits.

Thus, since May, changes have been observed in the percentage of people who carry out actions such as recycling as much as possible (79% compared to 77% in the month of May), using energy-saving light bulbs (67% compared to 61%), driving an electric or hybrid car (48% compared to 40%) or not using the car (46% compared to 40%).

As a result, more and more people consider themselves activists, young people and mostly women, committed to the environment and willing to modify their lifestyle to limit their impact on it. A group that already represents 21% of the world's population, on average, 4 points more than the previous month. In Spain, this percentage is 19%, and although it has increased 3 points since February of this year, we are the European country of the 5 analyzed in this study, with the lowest percentage of activist population, leading the European list France (28%), followed by Germany (24%).

(Ipsos Spain)

29 August 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/es-es/espana-el-pais-europeo-donde-mas-personas-perciben-el-cambio-climatico-como-una-amenaza-personal

 

758-43-17/Polls

Over 2 In 3 (67%) Of People, On Average, Across 28 Countries Feel The Economy In Their Country Is Bad

Will inflation pop or will hot air slowly release from economies around the world?

No one really knows.

Some economists predict prices will continue to soar for quite a while yet. Others worry about stagflation (meaning there’s high inflation and high unemployment at the same time). Then there’s the doomsayers saying a severe recession is nigh.

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on and the invasion of Ukraine intensifies, the economic uncertainty caused by these historic events seems likely to continue as summer turns to fall.

Here's what recent Ipsos’ Global Advisor polling has uncovered about the impact high prices has had on people’s lives and their perspective on where things might be headed.

  1. Unprecedented times
    The pandemic threw a monkey wrench into the global economy. Back in early 2020, fear about COVID-19 loomed large. Then came the invasion of Ukraine. By August 2022 concern about the pandemic plummeted and worry about inflation soared to the top spot, with poverty & social inequality and unemployment rounding out the top three concerns.
  2. Bright spots amid the dark clouds
    While consumer confidence has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels in many countries around the world, there’s exceptions to the rule. Four of the 23 countries in Ipsos’ Global Consumer Confidence Index have National Consumer Confidence Index scores that are significantly higher than before the pandemic.
    National Consumer Confidence Index scores were significantly in Australia, France, India and Saudi Arabia in August 2022, when compared to January 2020



  1. Darkness descends
    Despite some confidence in a handful of places, gloom and doom is in the air. Just over 2 in 3 (67%) of people, on average, across 28 countries feel the economy in their country is bad. Just three countries (Saudi Arabia, Indonesia* and India*) had a strong majority say the economy was good in their country in August.
  2. Sweating higher prices
    For many, there’s good reason to feel the economy is bad. Almost 1 in 3 people, on average, across 28 countries said they were finding it quite/very difficult to manage financially while only 12% said they were living comfortable in late May and early June.
  3. Sticker shock
    Food prices are taking a bite out of people’s budgets and many feel there’s no clear end in sight. The majority of those surveyed across 28 countries, on average, predicted in late spring that the cost of their food shopping, followed by the cost of utilities, other household shopping, motoring fuel costs and the overall cost of going out socializing, would increase a lot/little from June-December 2022.
    76% of people, on average, across 28 countries said they expected the cost of their food shopping to increase a little/a lot in the second half of 2022

(Ipsos MORI)

30 August 2022

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/data-dive-heres-how-people-are-feeling-about-inflation-around-world

 

758-43-18/Polls

Climate Change Remains Top Global Threat Across 19-Country Survey

With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, a hot war between Russia and Ukraine ongoing, inflation rates rising globally and heat records being smashed across parts of the world, countries are facing a wide variety of challenges in 2022. Among the many threats facing the globe, climate change stands out as an especially strong concern among citizens in advanced economies, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. A median of 75% across 19 countries in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region label global climate change as a major threat.

This is not to say people are unconcerned about the other issues tested. Majorities in most countries view the spread of false information online, cyberattacks from other countries, the condition of the global economy and the spread of infectious diseases (like COVID-19) as major threats to their nations.  

And despite the many depressing stories dominating the international news cycle, there is also a note of positivity among survey respondents in views of the United Nations, the benefits of international cooperation for solving problems and the importance of common values for bringing nations together.

Across advanced economies, people see the UN favorably and acknowledge benefits of international cooperation; ‘common values’ seen as more important for bringing nations together

In the current survey, a median of 65% have a favorable view of the UN and only 27% have an unfavorable view of the international organization. Views of the UN have remained generally positive since the question was first asked in 2004.

Among the countries surveyed, views of the UN are most positive in Poland, South Korea and Sweden. But among Israelis, seven-in-ten have an unfavorable opinion of the international body and about half of Greeks and Japanese say the same. In some countries, support for the UN is also strongest among young adults (ages 18 to 29) and those on the ideological left. This is especially true in the United States, where liberals are twice as likely as conservatives to have a positive view of the UN.

People around the world also express an optimism that the problems facing their country can be solved by working with other countries. A median of 64% say many problems can be solved by working together, while only 31% say that few problems can be solved by way of international cooperation.

The most optimistic sentiment on international cooperation in the current survey comes from Sweden, where 81% say that many of the problems facing the country can be solved by working with other countries. Across the 11 European countries, a median of 70% share this view. And in most of the countries surveyed, those who say many of the problems facing their country can be fixed by working with other countries are also more positively inclined toward the UN.

Do people see ‘common values’ or ‘common problems’ as more important for international cooperation?

A new survey question on the efficacy of “common values” versus “common problems” for bringing the world together shows some interesting patterns, even as most say that common values are more important for bringing nations together. A median of 58% see a shared sense of values as more important for international cooperation, compared with the 41% who think nations are more brought together by shared problems.

Roughly two-thirds or more in Spain, France, and Australia say “common values” are more important for international cooperation, while about six-in-ten in Israel and Greece say “common problems” are more important. Attitudes are more mixed in Malaysia, Germany, Poland and Japan. Americans, for their part, are more likely to say common values bring countries together than common problems.

These are among the main findings of a Pew Research Center survey, conducted from Feb. 14 to June 3, 2022, among 24,525 adults in 19 nations.

The survey finds that people continue to see climate change as one of the greatest threats to their country, and this is especially true in Europe, where more say climate change is a major threat to their country than at any time in the past decade in most countries. The results come as wildfires and extreme heat across Europe cause massive disruption to life.

Despite the dire concerns about climate change in Europe, concerns are relatively muted in the U.S., as they have been for years. Views on climate change as a threat are linked to political divisiveness in the U.S., something also seen in the other countries surveyed, with those on the ideological left showing more concern about climate change than those on the right.

While people in these 19 countries often view climate change as the top threat, concern for the other threats tested is not diminished. Majorities in 18 of these countries view the spread of false information online and cyberattacks from other countries as major threats, even as few rank either as the top threat.

Climate change seen as top threat across 19 countries, but people also see dangers of false information online and cyberattacks from other countriesPeople in most countries surveyed show highest ever concerns about cyberattacks from other countries

Concerns about cyberattacks, possibly heightened by the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and prominent instances of hacking across the world, are at all-time highs in many of the countries surveyed. In the last five years, there has been a remarkable increase in the share saying cyberattacks from other countries are a major threat to their country. And regarding both cyberattacks and the spread of false information online, older people are substantially more concerned than young adults in about half of the countries surveyed.

People also express worries about the condition of the global economy, as the survey was fielded just as inflation-related economic problems started to affect people across the world. Nevertheless, concerns about the global economy are high in most countries, especially among those who say their own country’s economy is bad and share pessimism about the future of children’s financial well-being.

Concerns about infectious disease have dropped sharply since last year in many countries, as worldwide COVID-19 deaths have dropped in recent months. Still, majorities in all but two surveyed nations say that the spread of infectious disease is a major threat, as people continue to die from COVID-19 and concerns rise about monkeypox, which the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern.

Concerns about climate, misinformation and cyberattacks predominate across 19 countries, but people are also concerned about the global economy and spread of infectious diseases

In a year dominated by crises, both domestic and international, people in 19 countries surveyed in spring 2022 continue to view global climate change as the most serious issue. A median of 75% across these countries, mostly concentrated in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region, view global climate change as a major threat to their country. Around two-in-ten view global warming as a minor threat, while 5% do not view it as a threat.

On a country-by-country basis, people in nine nations rank global climate change as the greatest threat among the five threats tested. The others are the spread of false information online, cyberattacks from other countries, the condition of the global economy and the spread of infectious diseases. Eight of these nations reside in Europe, with the other being Australia.

Concern about global warming is relatively low in Malaysia and Israel, where about half or fewer say that it is a major threat. In the U.S., 54% of people say climate change is a major threat, which is the lowest such rating among the five threats tested. Political divisions on this question play a role in how Americans assess climate change: 78% of Democrats and those that lean toward the Democratic Party say climate change is a major threat, compared with only 23% of Republicans and Republican leaners. (For more, see “Americans see different global threats facing the country now than in March 2020.”)

Those on political left more likely to consider global climate change a major threat than those on the right

Political divisions on climate change are not restricted to the U.S. In 14 of the countries surveyed, those on the political left are more likely to say that climate change is a major threat than those on the political right. For example, in Australia, 91% of those who place themselves on the left side of the political spectrum say climate change is a major threat, compared with only 47% among those on the right.

These differences on climate concern also apply when comparing supporters and nonsupporters of right-wing populist parties across Europe. In virtually every European country surveyed, concerns about climate change are lower among those who support right-wing populist parties than those who do not support these parties. For example, in Germany, only 55% among supporters of Alternative for Germany (AfD) view climate change as a major threat, compared with 77% of those who do not support AfD. And in Sweden, those who support Sweden Democrats are 32 percentage points less likely to say global warming is a major threat than those who do not support the strongly populist Sweden Democrats. Similar divisions also appear in Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.

In France and Spain, positive views of the left-wing populist parties (La France Insoumise, run by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, in France, and Podemos in Spain, led by Ione Belarra) lead to comparatively higher concern about climate change.

Concern about global climate change remains at all-time highs in many countries

Despite these political divisions, concerns about climate change have been rising in recent years, as people react to the climate extremes plaguing their countries. As an example, three-quarters of Britons say that climate change is a major threat to their country in 2022. In 2013, only 48% said the same. Concerns about climate change are at all-time highs in 10 countries.

Women in many countries surveyed more likely than men to consider climate change a major threat

As observed in prior Pew Research Center surveys, there is a gender divide on global climate change concerns. In 12 countries, women are more likely than men to say that a changing climate is a major threat to their country. In Sweden, 78% of women, compared with 62% of men, say that climate change is a great concern. Double-digit differences of this nature are also present in Australia, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy and the U.S.

In a handful of countries, those with more education are more concerned about the threat of climate change than those with less education.1 These differences are significant in Malaysia, Poland, Israel, Australia, South Korea, Belgium and the U.S. 

Age is also a factor in views of the climate threat in several countries, but the pattern is somewhat mixed. In Australia, Poland, the U.S. and France, younger people are more likely to be concerned about climate change than their elders. For example, in Australia, 85% of those ages 18 to 29 say that climate change is a major threat, compared with 63% of those 50 and older. On the other hand, older adults in Japan are more concerned about climate change than young people.

The spread of false information online and cyberattacks from other countries are the second and third greatest concerns overall among the issues tested. A median of 70% across the 19 surveyed countries see the spread of misinformation online as a top threat, with around a quarter (24%) saying it is a minor threat and 5% proclaiming disinformation as not a threat. Similarly, 67% see cyberattacks as a major threat, with a quarter saying they are a minor threat and 4% saying they are not a threat.

Three countries rank disinformation online as the top relative threat (Germany, Canada and Malaysia); four countries (Japan, South Korea, the U.S. and Singapore) view cyberattacks as one of the greatest threats.

Older people are more concerned about spread of online misinformation, cyberattacks than the young

The question on the spread of false information as a threat is new, so past trends are not available for analysis. However, concerns about cyberattacks from other countries are as high as they have been in most countries surveyed since Pew Research Center began asking the question in 2016. In fact, since 2017, concerns about cyberattacks from other countries have surged in 12 of the 16 countries where trends are available.

Take Israel, for example. In 2017, only 38% said that cyberattacks were a major threat to their country. But in 2022, when major cyberattacks have become a more common occurrence, 64% of Israelis now label attacks online as a major threat. Similar 20 percentage point or more increases in concerns about large scale hacks were also seen in Sweden, Italy and Hungary over the same period.

There is also a stark age divide when it comes to views about the spread of false information and cyberattacks. In many cases, people ages 50 and older are more concerned about these online threats than are 18- to 29-year-olds. And in some cases, the differences are quite substantial.

For instance, Swedes 50 and older are 21 percentage points more likely to say that the spread of false information online is a major threat than are Swedes ages 18 to 29. And three-quarters of Americans 50 and older are concerned about the spread of misinformation, compared with 56% among their younger counterparts. Younger U.S. adults are similarly less likely than older adults to say made-up news and information has a big impact on the democratic system.

Older people across a number of countries are also more concerned about cyberattacks than younger people. The differences by age are especially stark in Canada, Australia, the U.S., the UK and Germany. Only in Poland is this pattern reversed (that is, younger Poles are significantly more concerned about false information and attacks online than older Poles).

For the most part, there is not greater concern about the spread of false information and cyberattacks among social media users than those who do not use social media.

Concerns about the condition of the global economy are relatively muted among the countries surveyed, although it is important to note that the 2022 survey was fielded from Feb. 14 to June 3, as much of the world experienced rapid inflation and surging energy prices as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other economic factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions. A median of 61% across the 19 countries view the global economy as a major threat, with about three-in-ten seeing it a minor threat and 5% saying it is not a threat.

In seven countries, concerns about the economy are the lowest among the issues tested, including only 37% in Sweden who say the economy is a major concern. That being said, concern about the world economy is up in a handful of countries since the question was last asked. The increase in concern is especially significant in Hungary and Poland, where in 2018 only around a quarter in each country said the global economy was a major concern. Now, 72% label the condition of the global economy as a major threat in Hungary and six-in-ten say the same in Poland. In addition, concerns in Greece about the global economy remain particularly high: 93% say the condition of the world economy is a major threat.

Gender plays a role in views of the world economy in nine countries. In nearly every country, women are more likely than men to say the global economy is a threat to their country. The gap is largest in Belgium, where about two-thirds of women worry about the economy, but roughly half of men say the same.

Among the strongest influences on views of the world economy as a major threat are whether people say the current economic situation in their country is good or bad, and whether people think that children today in their country will be better off or worse off in the future. In 15 countries, those who say the domestic economy is doing somewhat or very badly are more likely to say the condition of the global economy is a major threat than those who say the national economy is doing well. And in 12 countries, people who say children will be worse off financially in the future are also more likely to see the world economy as a major threat compared with those who think their children’s future is bright.

Worries about the spread of infectious disease are diminishing

Concern about infectious disease has dropped in many countries since 2020

Concern for the spread of infectious disease is lower in comparison to the other threats tested and has decreased in many countries since the question was last asked in 2020. Still, a median of 61% across 19 countries view infectious disease as a major threat to their country.

Majorities in most countries surveyed express worries about the spread of infectious disease. But in Germany and Sweden, only about half or fewer see it as a major threat. In fact, Germans express the least concern for infectious disease out of all the threats tested, with 49% of Germans describing it as a major threat. In Canada, the UK, Australia and South Korea, the spread of infectious disease also ranks as the least concerning of all the global threats.

In Poland, Israel and Singapore, the spread of infectious disease ranks as or is among the top threat to their respective countries. In Poland, over three-quarters of those surveyed (78%) say that infectious disease is a major threat to their country. And in Israel, 67% say the same. About six-in-ten in Singapore say disease is a major threat – the same share who say the condition of the global economy and cyberattacks are major threats.

Since the question was last asked in 2020, concern for the spread of infectious disease has dropped in most countries surveyed in both years. In the U.S., concern about the spread of infectious disease has gone down by nearly 20 percentage points, with only 57% of Americans considering it to be a major threat in 2022, while in 2020, 76% said the same. This decline in the U.S. tracks with other Pew Research Center polling on the issue. Concern about infectious disease is also down by double digits over the past two years in the UK, Sweden, South Korea and Canada.

Women show more concern for the spread of infectious diseases than men

In 16 of the countries surveyed, those who say that getting the coronavirus vaccine is important to being a good member of society are more likely to describe the spread of infectious diseases as a major threat to their country than those who do not believe receiving the coronavirus vaccine is important to being a good member of society. The largest gap can be seen in Israel, where there is a difference of nearly 40 points between those who believe the coronavirus vaccine to be important to be a good member of society (75% say the spread of infectious diseases is a major threat) and those who do not (36%). In both Australia and Canada, a similarly large difference can be observed, with a gap of 36 points present between the two groups in both countries.

In eight countries, those ages 50 and older are more likely to consider the spread of infectious diseases a major threat than their younger counterparts. In the UK, for example, 71% of Britons ages 50 and older believe the spread of infectious disease to be a major threat, while 52% of adults under 30 say the same.

Responses also vary between men and women in many countries, with women consistently expressing greater concern for the spread of infectious diseases than men. This gap is most distinct in the Netherlands, where around seven-in-ten women say that the spread of infectious diseases is a major threat to their country, while half of men say the same – a difference of 17 points.

And in eight countries, those with less education are more likely to describe the spread of infectious diseases to be a major threat to their country than those with more education. In Hungary, about three-quarters of those with less education consider the spread of infectious diseases to be a major threat, while 60% of those with more education say the same. The opposite relationship is seen in Malaysia, where 58% of those with less education consider infectious diseases to be a major threat, compared with the 74% of those with more education who say the same.

UN seen in a positive light by most across 19 nations polled

Most people give the UN positive ratings across countries surveyed

The United Nations is seen more favorably than unfavorably across most of the countries surveyed in 2022. A median of 65% express a positive opinion of the multilateral organization, compared with 27% who have an unfavorable view.

In the two North American countries surveyed – Canada and the U.S. – majorities give the UN favorable ratings.

Americans are similarly positive on the benefits of UN membership writ large: About two-thirds (66%) say the U.S. benefits a great deal or a fair amount from being a member of the UN. But, according to a May 2022 survey, relatively few Americans say the UN’s influence in the world has been getting stronger in recent years. Just 16% expressed this view, while 39% said the UN’s influence was getting weaker and 43% said it was staying about the same.

Across the European countries surveyed, the image of the UN is largely positive. About seven-in-ten or more in Poland, Sweden, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy view the UN in a favorable light. However, Greeks are notably split in their views: 45% express a favorable opinion, while 49% express an unfavorable opinion.

Seven-in-ten Israelis have an unfavorable view of the UN – the highest negative rating observed across the 19 countries surveyed. Israeli views of the UN are influenced by ethnicity: Arabs are more than twice as likely as Jews to see the UN in a positive light (44% vs. 21%, respectively).

Opinion of the UN in the Asia-Pacific region is generally more positive than negative. Majorities in South Korea, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore give the UN favorable ratings. Opinion is somewhat more negative in Japan: 48% express a negative view, compared with 40% who express a positive one. Still, this represents an overall improvement in Japanese opinion of the UN, which reached an all-time low of 29% favorable in the summer of 2020.

In South Korea (+8 percentage points) and the UK (+5), favorable opinion of the UN has increased measurably from 2021. A more positive outlook toward the UN has also occurred in two countries not surveyed since 2019: Hungary (+11) and Poland (+6). However, positive views of the UN have declined significantly in Singapore (-9), Spain (-7), Italy (-6) and Canada (-5) since 2021.

Views of the United Nations, 2004-2022

Opinion of the UN is partially shaped by ideological affiliation. In seven countries, those who place themselves on the ideological left are more likely than those who place themselves on the right to express a positive view of the UN. This difference is largest in the U.S., where liberals are twice as likely as conservatives to hold a favorable view of the UN (80% vs. 40% respectively). And double-digit differences of this nature are also present in Israel, Canada, Hungary, Australia, Italy and Germany. In Greece, however, this pattern is reversed: Half of those on the right have a positive opinion of the UN, compared with 32% of those on the left.

Younger people are more positive toward the UN than their older counterparts in many countries

Age and education also impact opinion of the UN. As observed in prior Pew Research Center surveys, adults ages 18 to 29 tend to have more favorable views of the UN than those 50 and older. In Hungary, for example, young adults are 20 percentage points more likely than older adults to express a positive opinion toward the UN. A similar pattern is observed across several other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Israel.

Those with a postsecondary education or more in seven countries are more likely than those with a secondary education or less to express favorable views of the UN. Among Belgians, 74% of those with more education have a positive take on the UN, compared with 62% of Belgians with less education. In Malaysia, however, those with less education are more likely to have a positive opinion of the UN than those with more education (66% vs. 56% respectively).

In several European countries, those with a favorable view of that country’s right-wing populist party are more likely to hold a negative view of the UN than those who are unfavorable toward populist parties. In Germany, for example, 44% of those with a favorable view of Alternative for Germany (AfD) express an unfavorable view of the UN, compared with 21% of those with an unfavorable view of AfD who say the same.

Most say that many of the problems facing their country can be solved by working with other countries

Majorities in most countries say many problems facing their country can be solved by international cooperation

A median of 64% across 19 countries say that many of the problems facing their country can be solved by working with other countries, while 31% say that few such problems can be solved by working with other countries. The sentiment that international cooperation can solve many of the country’s problems is highest in Sweden, where more than eight-in-ten say this.

The same faith in international cooperation rings true in most of the European countries surveyed. In the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Germany and the UK, at least seven-in-ten say that many of the problems facing their country can be solved by working with other countries. A median of 70% across the 11 European countries surveyed think international cooperation can solve many of the domestic problems people face.

Views in North America and the Asia-Pacific region are more divided. Only about half of adults in both the U.S. and Canada believe most of the problems facing their country can be solved through international cooperation. Majorities in Japan, Australia and South Korea say the same, but in Malaysia, only 49% agree.

In many countries, views vary by education. Those with more education are more likely to say that many of the problems facing their country can be solved by working with other countries in 11 countries, such as in France, where nearly three-quarters of those with a higher education level say this, as opposed to the 61% of those with a lower education level.

Those who have a positive opinion of the United Nations express greater faith in international cooperation

Ideology also plays a role in people’s views on the ability of international cooperation to solve problems. In 10 countries, those on the left are more likely than those on the right to say that many of the problems facing their country can be solved by working with other nations. This difference is most starkly seen in the U.S., where the gap between the liberals and conservatives is over 30 percentage points. (For more on American views of international cooperation, see “Americans are divided over U.S. role globally and whether international engagement can solve problems.”)

In 12 countries, views on international cooperation also vary by impressions of the UN, with those who feel favorably toward the UN more likely to say that many problems in their country can be solved by working with other countries. In all 12 nations, there is a double-digit difference between those who feel favorably toward the UN and those who do not. For instance, in Japan, 84% who have a positive opinion of the UN also express a belief that their country’s problems can be solved by working with other countries, while 71% of those who have an unfavorable opinion of the UN say the same.

‘Common values’ generally seen as bringing nations together more than ‘common problems’

More say ‘common values’ bring nations together than ‘common problems’

Across many of the 19 countries surveyed, larger shares say that common values are more important for bringing nations together than say common problems are more important.

Majorities in 12 countries say common values are more important to international cooperation, including about two-thirds or more in Spain, France and Australia. Countries where more hold the view that common values bring countries together span Europe, the Asia-Pacific region and North America.

Views on the importance of values or problems for bringing countries together are somewhat mixed in Malaysia, Germany, Poland and Japan. Nearly equal shares in these countries say either common values or problems are more important for global cooperation.

Only in three countries surveyed do more than half say common problems are important for bringing nations together: Israel, Greece and Hungary.

Older adults are more likely to believe ‘common values’ bring countries together than younger adults

In seven countries, adults ages 50 and older are more likely to say common values are more important for bringing nations together than those ages 18 to 29. Younger adults are, on the other hand, more likely to cite common problems as important for international cooperation than their older counterparts. In South Korea, for example, older adults are 23 percentage points more likely than those 18 to 29 to say common values bring countries together.

In Malaysia, however, the pattern is reversed. Young adults are more likely to say common values bring nations together, while older adults are more likely to say common problems encourage international cooperation.

(PEW)

AUGUST 31, 2022

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey/

 

758-43-19/Polls

Global Population Skews Male, But Un Projects Parity Between Sexes By 2050, Estimates Of 237 Countries

Globally, the number of males has exceeded the number of females since the mid-1960s. But by 2050, the worldwide sex ratio is expected to even out, according to recently released population projections from the United Nations.

As of 2021, there were about 44 million more males than females in the global population. But that difference is expected to disappear as a result of several different demographic trends.

In the coming decades, the world population is expected to age due to a combination of declining fertility (a smaller share of the world’s population will be young) and people living longer (a larger share of the world’s population will be old). Between 1950 and 2021, the median global age rose from 22 to 30. By 2050, the UN projects the median global age will surpass 35.

A line graph showing that the median age in the world is steadily rising

This Pew Research Center analysis is based on the 2022 Revision of World Population Prospects, the 27th edition of official United Nations population estimates and projections that have been prepared by the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat. The UN data presents population estimates from 1950 to the present for 237 countries or areas, underpinned by analyses of historical demographic trends. This latest assessment considers the results of 1,758 national population censuses conducted between 1950 and 2022, as well as information from vital registration systems and from 2,890 nationally representative sample surveys. The 2022 revision also presents population projections to the year 2100 that reflect a range of plausible outcomes at the global, regional and national levels. There is uncertainty regarding specific estimates. This analysis uses the medium variant for future dates, which takes the midpoint of likely outcomes. For more information, see the full UN reportdata tables and methodology.

When a large share of a population is young, it tends to skew male because more boys are born than girls. This pattern is exacerbated in countries where sex-selective abortions and female infanticide contribute to imbalanced sex ratios at birth. In 2021, the global sex ratio at birth was 106 male births per 100 female births. Gender inequalities also make girls and women more vulnerable to poor health, often putting them at higher risk of death, including from complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth.

However, in most countries, females have lower mortality rates after birth and live longer than males, on average. Higher male mortality has been associated with behavioral factors and genetic differences. In addition, more males than females have died due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of these patterns, females outnumber males at older ages. In 2021, women comprised 56% of the global population ages 65 and older, including 59% in Europe and Northern America. Their share of the global 65-and-older population is projected to be 54% by 2050. As populations age, they are more likely to become majority female.

Not only does the UN project parity between the sexes by 2050, it projects that females will begin to outnumber males in the decades after 2050.

Sex ratios vary widely

The countries with the biggest male-to-female ratios today are Qatar (266 males per 100 females), the United Arab Emirates (228) and Bahrain (164). In several Persian Gulf countries, these wide sex imbalances are primarily due to large immigrant populations of largely male temporary workers. For example, according to UN estimates, 79% of Qatar’s 2019 population was born elsewhere, and among the foreign-born population, 83% were male.

A map showing that males outnumber females globally, but the reverse is true in some countries

In many former Soviet Union republics, the reverse is true. The former USSR has been predominantly female since at least World War II, when millions of men died in battle. For example, in the territory that is now Russia, there were just 77 males per 100 females in 1950. That number rose steadily in subsequent decades, climbing to 88 by 1995 before starting to decline again. Several other countries from the former Soviet Union have seen similar patterns, and in 2021, they accounted for six of the 10 nations with the highest ratio of females to males.

Even within the same country, sex ratios can differ widely by age. For example, Armenia is the most heavily skewed country toward females (82 males per 100 females), but there are still more newborn boys than girls. In fact, for every 100 girls born in Armenia, 110 are boys – the world’s sixth starkest sex ratio at birth in favor of boys.

Other places with overall sex ratios that skew heavily female include Guadeloupe, Martinique, Hong Kong and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The United States has had more females than males since 1946, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2021, the population sex ratio in the U.S. was 98 males per 100 females. By 2050, it is expected to be 99.

The number of majority-male countries will decline by 2050

In 2021, males outnumbered females in 86 countries. That figure is expected to decline to 67 countries by 2050 as an increasing number of majority-female populations emerge.

Within countries where males are expected to continue outnumbering females in 2050, the UN still projects a more balanced sex ratio in the coming decades.

recent Pew Research Center report took a closer look at the sex ratio at birth in India, specifically. India’s artificially wide ratio of baby boys to baby girls – which arose in the 1970s from the use of prenatal diagnostic technology to facilitate sex-selective abortions – now appears to be narrowing. This follows years of government efforts to curb sex selection, including a ban on prenatal sex tests and a massive advertising campaign urging parents to “save the girl child,” and coincides with broader social changes such as rising education and wealth.

Projections describe how populations will change if their underlying input data are accurate and their assumptions about future trends (e.g., that fertility will decline in high-fertility countries) are correct. However, unexpected events like war, famine and disease may produce different outcomes and may alter the world’s gender balance by causing a greater number of deaths for males or females and by affecting migration trends of individual countries.

(PEW)

AUGUST 31, 2022

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/08/31/global-population-skews-male-but-un-projects-parity-between-sexes-by-2050/

 

758-43-20/Polls

IRI Poll In Africa’s 5 Littoral States Finds Economic Anxiety

When asked about the most important problem facing their country today, pluralities in the surveyed regions of Ghana (42%), Cote d’Ivoire (38%), Togo (35%), and Benin (34%) all cited issues related to the economy. In Burkina Faso, “insecurity” was the top priority with 36%.  

“Our research shows that the economy is the number one issue in a majority of these states,” said Jenai Cox, Regional Deputy Director for Africa at IRI. “It’s clear that this is not just a national problem, but one that dominates this part of Africa.” 

On security related matters, people who believe that violent extremism is a problem in their region of Burkina Faso (45%), Côte d’Ivoire (42%), Togo (45%), and Benin (39%), named “insurgent groups” as the most common perpetrators in their communities. A smaller percentage of people in Ghana (18%) agreed.  

For mitigating such violence, strong majorities in the surveyed regions of Côte d’Ivoire (58%), Burkina Faso (63%), Togo (63%), and Benin (71%) cited “local police / defense & security forces” as the key institutions to combat violent extremism in their respective communities. A plurality in Ghana (44%) said the same.  

“Very much like the economy, violence from extremist groups is a problem across the Littoral States,” said Cox. “While this is a major concern, it is a positive development that most people have confidence in their local police to strengthen security and keep them safe.” 

This poll was conducted to aid IRI program implementation with preventing and countering violent extremism in the Littoral States and the Sahel region. The research shows that many of the most pressing problems are not confined to individual countries and that there is a need for cross-border collaboration.  

(International Republican Institute)

September 2, 2022

Source: https://www.iri.org/news/iri-poll-in-africas-littoral-states-finds-economic-anxiety-concerns-with-insurgent-groups-confidence-in-local-police-to-mitigate-violent-extremism/

 

758-43-21/Polls

At The Civic Level, Growing Warmth Between Japan, S Korea

An opinion poll on how Japanese and South Koreans view each other’s country showed a marked rise in favorable sentiment on both sides.

Genron NPO, a Japanese nonprofit think tank, and the East Asia Institute, a South Korean think tank, have jointly conducted the surveys on an annual basis since 2013.

They said growing warmth toward Japan among South Koreans after a long spell in freeze-level bilateral ties appeared mostly based on a perception that China poses a growing threat in the region.

The poll this year was carried out between mid-July and early August. Around 1,000 people in each country responded.

In the category of impressions of one another’s country, “Good” increased, while “Bad” decreased in both countries compared with a year ago.

Japanese who harbor favorable feelings toward South Korea increased by 5 percentage points to 30.4 percent, while those with unfavorable feelings came to 40.3 percent, down 8.5 percentage points from a year earlier.

The respective figures among South Koreans were 30.6 percent, up 10.1 percentage points, and 52.8 percent, down 10.4 points.

With regard to reasons for having a good impression of Japan, 63.8 percent of South Korean respondents selected, “because Japanese people are kind and sincere,” followed by 37.8 percent who picked, “Japan is a developed country with a high standard of living.”

In addition, 25.7 percent, more than double the figure of last year, said, “Both are democratic countries.”

“Both are democratic countries” was also the fourth most cited reason in Japan at 21.4 percent, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from a year ago.

When South Koreans were asked which country they felt close to, Japan or China, 24.3 percent chose Japan, up 10.1 percentage points from the survey in 2020 which asked the same question, while 16.9 percent opted for China, down 7.5 percentage points.

The finding marked a sharp change from two years ago. 

“The Chinese threat theory indirectly influenced and changed impression of Japan” among South Koreans, said Sohn Yul, president of the East Asia Institute, who attended an online news conference held in Tokyo to announce the latest findings.

(Asahi Shimbun)

September 2, 2022

Source: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14709486

 

758-43-22/Polls

Consumers Around 30 Markets View Financial Security And Their Own Financial Situation Differently

The corona crisis, as well as the rise in the cost of living and rising inflation, are causing troubled economic times and for many consumers, their own finances and savings are the top priority.

Data from YouGov Global Profiles shows that consumers around the world view financial security and their own financial situation differently. In this analysis, we focus on 30 markets worldwide with a case count above 2,000 and ask whether consumers consider themselves financially secure. Globally, more than a fifth of consumers (21 percent) disagree with this statement.

Financial uncertainties seem to be driving Japanese and German consumers in particular. 41 percent of The Japanese do not see themselves as financially secure, closely followed by Germany with 37 percent, who do not agree with the statement: "I consider myself financially secure".

In the USA and Greece, too, the majority of respondents do not see themselves as financially secure (34 and 31 percent respectively).

Vietnamese and Chinese consumers are least likely to disagree with the statement (14 and 11 percent, respectively).

Consumers in the UK most often see themselves as financially secure (58 percent), closely followed by Poland (56 percent), but also in Germany, more than half of consumers consider themselves financially secure (54 percent). In Germany, the majority of respondents clearly see themselves as either financially secure or insecure, only 9 percent of Germans agree with the statement: I consider myself financially secure neither to nor not to.

Respondents in Japan (23 percent) and the Philippines (33 percent) are least likely to agree with the statement. While 42 percent of consumers in China consider themselves financially secure, almost half of Chinese (47 percent) consider themselves neither financially secure nor financially insecure.

(YouGov Germany)

September 2, 2022

Source: https://yougov.de/news/2022/09/02/hohe-finanzielle-unsicherheit-japan-und-deutschlan/