Survey reveals widespread social prejudice against poverty in Spain

A recent survey conducted by AporoLAB, the Aporophobia Observatory of IQS (Universitat Ramon Llull) in collaboration with the La Caixa Foundation, has highlighted significant social prejudices regarding poverty in Spain.

The study, based on 6,000 interviews with the Spanish adult population, found that 50.4% of respondents believe poor individuals “settle into their situation and depend on social benefits instead of seeking solutions.” Additionally, 43% of participants believe those in poverty attempt to take advantage of public aid, while 33.1% view such assistance as a burden on public services.

The data also indicates a notable generational divide in attitudes toward the homeless. Among those aged 18 to 24, 27.7% expressed a willingness to change seats if a homeless person sat next to them on public transport, compared to 8.6% of those over 65. Furthermore, 21.1% of young respondents supported preventing homeless individuals from entering bars, whereas only 7.5% of older citizens held that view. The survey suggests that these perceptions often overlook systemic factors such as insufficient wages, housing costs, and job insecurity.