Economic Grievances Fuel Support for Hostile Actions: Edelman Global Survey Reveals Troubling Trends
Sunday, Jan 19, 2025 12:23 pm ET
2min read The Edelman Trust Barometer survey, released in 2025, paints a stark picture of the global economic landscape. With 60% of people experiencing economic fears that have escalated into grievances, and 40% approving of hostile actions such as violence to bring about change, it's clear that the current state of affairs is unsustainable. The survey highlights several specific economic factors that contribute most to public grievances and support for hostile actions.
1. Cost of Living: The rising cost of living has been a significant factor contributing to public grievances. With many people struggling to make ends meet, it's no surprise that they feel disillusioned and desperate for change. The survey found that 60% of people are experiencing economic fears, with many believing that hostile actions are necessary to bring about change.
2. Job Security: The anxiety surrounding job security, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence, has also contributed to public grievances. As automation and AI continue to advance, many people fear losing their jobs to machines, exacerbating economic insecurities.
3. Income Inequality: The growing divide between low- and high-income individuals has fueled discontent and support for hostile actions. In 21 of the 28 countries surveyed, there is a double-digit trust inequality between those in the top quartile of income and those considered low income. This income disparity has led to a sense of marginalization and disempowerment among lower-income individuals.
4. Economic Downturn: The perceived risk of an economic downturn, such as a recession or stagnation, is also a common concern among respondents. This fear can contribute to public grievances and support for hostile actions, as people become increasingly anxious about their financial future.
Age and income disparities also play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards hostile actions and change. Among respondents aged 18 to 34, support for hostile actions was higher at 53%, compared to the overall average of 40%. This age group is more likely to view hostile actions as necessary to bring about change, possibly due to their frustration with the status quo and a desire for immediate results. Additionally, those in the top quartile of income are more trusting than those considered low income, with double-digit trust inequality existing in 21 of 28 countries surveyed. Lower-income individuals may feel marginalized and disempowered, leading to a higher likelihood of supporting hostile actions to challenge the system.
Government and business play crucial roles in exacerbating or mitigating economic grievances. The Edelman Trust Barometer survey shows that 60% of people believe hostile actions such as violence can be necessary to bring about change, indicating a high level of economic grievances. In Western democracies, respondents' outlook for their countries being better for the next generation dropped to severe lows, with only 9% in France, 17% in the UK, and 30% in the US believing their countries will be better. This lack of hope for the next generation, combined with class divides, distrust in leaders, and confusion over credible information, has led to a significant proportion of people supporting hostile actions to bring about change.
Business is seen as serving the narrow interests of the wealthy while regular people struggle, contributing to economic grievances. The Trust 10 report shows that there is an 11-point gap between trust in business and trust in government, with 62% trusting business and only 51% trusting government. This indicates that business may not be effectively addressing economic grievances. However, business is also the most trusted institution and is expected to act on social issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and workforce reskilling. The Trust 10 report shows that business has increased its ethics score for the third straight year, rising 20 points since 2020, indicating that business is taking steps to address economic grievances.
To address these grievances, a cross-institution effort is required, with government focusing on policy and business focusing on ethical practices and addressing societal issues. By working together, government and business can help mitigate economic grievances and foster a more stable and prosperous society.
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