The Infra4NextGen project has published the third in its series of five data summaries, this time focusing on the Make it Equal theme. The new report, Inequalities in Europe: From Personal Experiences to Policy Preferences, examines how younger Europeans (under 35) perceive and experience inequality compared to older generations.

Drawing on data from the European Social Survey, European Quality of Life Survey, International Social Survey Programme, the Gender and Generations Survey, and the Infra4NextGen-funded CRONOS-3 panel, the analysis provides a wide-ranging overview of attitudes across Europe.

Key findings include:

• Gender differences: Women are consistently more concerned about inequality, more likely to perceive social tensions, and more likely to report material insecurity.

• Youth perspectives: Younger people show less concern about income inequality than older respondents but report higher levels of perceived ethnic and intergenerational tensions.

• Changing beliefs: Young Europeans are increasingly sceptical about meritocratic ideals such as “hard work” or “education” guaranteeing success. Instead, they see family wealth and social connections as more decisive factors.

• Trust and welfare: Younger respondents also express more doubts about the rule of law and greater support for social welfare policies, linking personal experiences of insecurity to policy preferences.

The report highlights how these perceptions shape attitudes toward redistribution, welfare, and democratic participation – making them essential for designing inclusive and responsive policies.

Authored by Susan Banducci (University of Birmingham), István György Tóth and Dániel Bremer (TÁRKI Social Research Institute), this data summary underlines how intergenerational perspectives on inequality will influence the future of social cohesion and democracy in Europe.

This is the third publication in the series of five Infra4NextGen data summaries, following The Digital Divide across Europe and The Health and Wellbeing of People in Europe. Upcoming reports will address the Make it Green and Make it Strong themes.

Read the full report: Inequalities in Europe: From Personal Experiences to Policy Preferences (online & PDF)