A new survey finds many Scots have a negative attitude towards the poor and poverty - does this challenge some of the assumptions we make about ourselves?
Are Scots more socially inclusive and progressive than people in the rest of the UK?
- Yes
- 59
- No
- 43
A Scottish Government report this week lifted the lid on some of our attitudes towards poverty.
It showed that negative perceptions of the poor are ingrained in our society.
The surveyshowed that while 98% of people thought tackling child poverty is important, 25% don't think the government should redistribute wealth from the richest to the poorest.
It also found that more people in Scotland than ever before think that poverty is a result of laziness and that approximately a third of people thought that benefit claimants should feel at least somewhat ashamed to be in receipt of benefits.
Scots often like to think of themselves as being somehow naturally socialist and more inclusive, even more caring, than other parts of the UK. But are we really? And what does this assumption mean in light of these findings?
That’s why we’re asking:
Are Scots more socially inclusive and progressive than people in the rest of the UK? Vote and join the debate by leaving a comment.