A multidimensional approach to attitudes toward the causes of poverty: A case study of South Korea

This study examines the multidimensionality of attitudes toward the causes of poverty in Korean society, moving beyond single-dimensional perspectives. Using latent class analysis, nine distinct perception types were identified, with 44% of respondents recognizing individual, structural, and fatalistic factors simultaneously. Demographic factors such as age, labor market status, and political ideology were more strongly associated with perception types than individual economic circumstances. Younger individuals favored multidimensional perspectives, while older generations emphasized individual responsibility. Political conservatism was linked to individualistic attributions, whereas progressivism aligned with structural-fatalistic views. Perception types were systematically related to welfare policy preferences: groups emphasizing individual responsibility supported reductions in public spending, while structurally oriented groups opposed such cuts. The largest latent class (“Comprehensive Causal Maximalist”) exhibited the strongest support for income redistribution policies. These findings underscore the need for integrated poverty policies and tailored communication strategies that address the diverse perceptions shaping policy acceptance and effectiveness.