On the values and attitudes of economics students in Portugal

ABSTRACT Introduction: Several studies regarding the values and attitudes of Economics students have noticed a greater leaning towards the free riding phenomena and the market economy. Are these traits always valid? Do they coexist with other sociological relevant aspects? Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2016 with Economics students. In addition to the economic view, it was studied their self-perception at the left-right spectrum and their interest in politics. The results of this survey were compared with previous research on three social groups (young citizens, elder citizens, and other students). The data were statistically analyzed through correlation and factorial analysis tests. Results: The research revealed a tendency towards a right-wing self-perception and an increased concern about politics by these Portuguese students. However, these traits were attenuated, because those Economics students converge with other group’s values, specially the “young citizens” and the “old citizens”. Generally, groups with greater leaning towards free riding are also more inclined to pro-market ideas, right-wing, and interested in politics. Results indicate the existence of other substantially different behavioral components, being one of them correspondent to the variables used to measure “free riding” and an opposite component which we can label “open-mindedness”. Discussion: As a whole, the results suggest a considerable influence of Economics in the mental framework of these students. Evidence seems to signal a diffuse cultural influence, corresponding to a simplified and impoverished version of the academic field.