An Experience Sampling Study On Everyday Experiences of Inequality

Authors:

Abstract: Scarce research has investigated how income inequality unfolds in naturalistic everyday settings. This research constitutes the first attempt to examine individuals’ psychological experiences of dealing with social class dynamics in their daily lives using an experience sampling study (6,150 episodes from N = 301). Through real-time self-reports captured during random moments, we explored diverse situations where social class differences were observed. This method allowed us to uncover the frequency, triggers, contexts, and individual differences associated with observations of social class differences. Additionally, we explored the association between income inequality and subjective well-being, a relationship that has yielded mixed evidence in the literature. Our findings illuminated the negative impact of these real-time observations on individuals' momentary sense of control and specific emotions.

Track: DEI

Keywords: Perceived Inequality, Experience Sampling Method, Subjective Wellbeing