To what extent is the household's monthly income sufficient to meet the necessary expenses? The LaST survey shows that slightly more than half of the respondents (56.1%) consider them sufficient, while 41.3% think the opposite. In this case, a mirror-image condition emerges. In the first group, we include mainly the male component, those who are starting their working careers (up to 34 years of age) and those towards the end of their working lives (55-64 years of age), those who live in the North (and in the North West, in particular), entrepreneurs and executives, and those with a university degree. Those who see a part of their savings eroded are, in particular, the female component, those aged 35-44, those living in the South, the unemployed and housewives, those who have only acquired compulsory education.
By cross-referencing the assessment of the economic situation with that of the monthly income, it is possible to construct a summary indicator that photographs the economic condition of the population. The largest group is made up of 'ants' (47.6%), i.e. those who have maintained, or slightly worsened, their condition and yet their income is still sufficient to cover their monthly expenses.
It is a section of the middle class that sees its purchasing power shrinking. They are defined by a behaviour inspired by sobriety, coming to terms with the fewer resources available and a selectivity in purchasing behaviour. This is where the youngest (under 34) and the oldest (over 65), those living in the North, executives and technicians, as well as pensioners and university graduates, are most prominent. More limited, but not marginal, is the second group: the 'well-off' (10.0%), those who have increased their economic condition in the last five years and whose monthly income is more than sufficient for necessary expenses. In spite of the crisis, they have been able to improve their economic position. Within this group we find the male component, the more mature (55-64 years), those living in the North, those with a university degree, entrepreneurs, but also a share of manual workers and pensioners. The third group is the 'eroded' (7.4%), i.e. those whose economic condition is similar or better than in the past, but whose income does not cover all their expenses. They are the ones tempted by consumerism, by not renouncing their attained status, and in order to maintain it, they undermine their accumulated capital. This group includes the youngest (under 24), those living in the North East and the South, housewives and students, and those with only compulsory schooling. Last but not least, a large group among the population: the 'deprived' (35.0%). These are households whose economic condition is deteriorating and whose monthly income is insufficient. They mainly affect women, the middle age group (35-54), those living in the Centre and especially in the South, the unemployed and housewives.
Thus, the crisis does not strike in an undifferentiated manner. Some categories of people are more adversely affected by the difficulties than others, but it happens across the board and unevenly. This makes it more complex to find appropriate measures, especially if taken in an emergency. For these reasons, structural and long-term reforms are needed. And a far-sighted political class.
