Abstract
In this study,I examined the relation of neo-liberal policy support and a sense of
stagnation and a sense of soial inequality from the viewpoint of generational comparison.
I analyzed the determinants of neo-liberal policy support separately by generations
using linear multiple regressions. As a result,firstly,“attitudes toward redistribution”
had a positive effect to the“support for deregulation”. Furthermore,“authoritarian
belief”and“a sense of stagnation”had positive effect only in the younger generation
aged from 20 to 34. Secondly,I analyzed the determinants of“support for privatization”.
I didn’t find significant effect of“a sense of stagnation”,but“attitudes toward
redistribution” have positive effect in the younger generation in the same way.
Therefore,the support for the neo-liberal reforms by the Koizumi cabinet around 2005
is partially explained by“a sense of stagnation”and“attitudes toward redistribution”.
Additionally,I examined the consciousness structure in younger generation using
the analytical method of structural equation modeling. As a result,“a sense of stagnation”
had indirect effect for“neoliberal policy support”via“attitudes toward redistribution”.
It suggets that people who feel“a sense of stagnation”support neo-liberal policy
with the expectation of reducing social inequality.
