‘Perceptions of the Economic Model and Views on the Current Crisis’

In recent months, the international crisis has occupied the foreground in current affairs and has spurred a wide-ranging debate about the organization, regulation and optimal model of economic and financial activity. Within this general framework, defined by the ongoing recession, the survey has targeted a core component of Spaniards’ economic culture at the end of the first decade of the 21st century; namely the views they hold on the market economy and the economic role of government. Other cultural aspects earning attention are citizens’ interest in economic matters and their declared knowledge about the conceptual baggage of economics (as gleaned from a short selection of key economic concepts and familiarity with economic and regulatory organizations).
More specifically, the survey examines Spaniards’ views on the international and domestic crisis and its effects on the country as a whole and on their own personal lives.

Among its main conclusions is that while most would subscribe to the principle of the market economy, there is also a groundswell of opinion in favor of reforming the current system, and even of the government intervening more in the running of the economy. Spaniards not only share a positive view of the welfare state model typical of European societies, but go one step further in expressing their support for government intervention in areas of economic life normally considered the domain of the market, such as prices, wages and profits.

They are also clear about the severity of the present national and international economic crisis, with unemployment and economic difficulties heading the list of concerns. Although the financial situation of households is judged to be rather less critical, a large majority of Spaniards feel affected by the recession and have made moves to rein in their spending.