Unemployment and coronavirus tied in at top spot for Urban Indians as biggest worries
According to the Ipsos What Worries the World global monthly survey, Unemployment (42%) and Coronavirus (42%) have emerged as the biggest worries of Urban Indians – both tied at the top spot. Compared to previous month, coronavirus has declined by 5% in worry levels, unemployment has increased in worry levels by 2%.
What are the top worries of Urban Indians?Urban Indians are most worried about Unemployment (42%), coronavirus (42%), financial/ political corruption (28%), crime and violence (25%), poverty and social inequality (24%) and education (21%)..
Elaborating on the findings, Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India said, “We see uptick in worry levels for unemployment by 2%, while worry levels for COVID19 has seen a slight dip of 5% - but now both are placed neck to neck – COVID19 impacted the job market considerably due to the shutdown and restrictions – now with the cautious reopening, worry levels around jobs have not abated – demand far outstrips supply – and those who have lost their jobs, many are still struggling to gain a foothold. COVID19 too is far from over. It is a case of cause and effect.”
World Worries Global citizens worry about coronavirus (36%), unemployment (31%), poverty and social inequality (31%), financial and political corruption (27%) and crime and violence (26%)Optimism Vs Pessimism
India is the 2nd most optimistic market with at least 65% urban Indians believing the country is moving in the right direction. Saudi Arabia retains its title as the most optimistic market, with at least 90% citizens believing their country is moving in the right direction. Global citizens on the contrary continue to remain pessimistic with at least 65 per cent believing their country is on wrong track. The gloomiest markets that felt their country was on the wrong track were Columbia (89%), South Africa (85%) and Peru (81%)..
“Indians are a resilient bunch; and despite the looming worries, unlike their global counterparts, they fight it and do not let their spirits flag,” added Adarkar.
The survey also showed that some markets were greatly worried about the coronavirus. Esp. Malaysia (74%) and Japan (72%). And some markets were least worried about the coronavirus – Colombia (12%), Argentina (12%) and Russia (17%), for instance.
