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

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