The Multidimensionality of Public Attitudestoward the Welfare State

Structural EquationModeling Using ISSP Data

Abstract

　Public attitudes toward the welfare state are often measured one-dimensionally. The assumption of one-dimensionality predicts that supporters of a certain welfare state program are more in favor of all other programs. However, some studies suggest that attitudes toward the welfare state are multidimensional. That is, conflicts over certain welfare state programs may be qualitatively different from conflicts over other programs. Using ISSP data, this article examines the structure and determinants of welfare state attitudes in Japan. The purpose is to accurately represent the structure of attitudes and to reveal whether there are cross-program differences in the welfare state conflict.

　Categorical confirmatory factor analysis shows that attitudes are not completely one-dimensional and that cross-program differences need to be considered. Structural equation modeling results indicate that conflicts over the policies on illness and old age are qualitatively different from conflicts over the ones on unemployment and poverty. For example, while the effect of equivalent income is not statistically significant in the dimension of illness and old age, equivalent income has a significant negative effect in the dimension of unemployment and poverty. People with lower incomes are more in favor of the policies on unemployment and poverty instead of the ones on illness and old age. In this way, the findings help understanding of why individuals support the welfare state.