The influence of political ideology on stereotypes, meta-stereotypes and causal attributions of homelessness in Spain

Abstract

This article examines the influence of political ideology on meta-stereotypes and stereotypes of homeless people, on the causal attributions of homelessness, and on willingness to increase public funds allocated to homeless people among the members of three groups in Madrid (Spain): a) homeless group; b) domiciled service-users group; and c) domiciled non service-users group. Results show differences in the influence of political ideology based on having had direct experience of homelessness. Left-wing interviewees showed a greater willingness to increase funds allocated to homeless people, attributed homelessness to societal causes to a greater extent, and showed greater agreement with indulgent stereotypes.