Recently published research from the Victoria University of Wellington delves into the beneficiaries of freedom of speech, shedding light on the factors that influence its impact. The study reveals that individuals with greater resources tend to accord higher priority to freedom of speech.
However, it is individuals with fewer resources, such as lower incomes or education levels, who derive the greatest benefits from free speech. These findings support the hypothesis that free speech empowers individuals with fewer resources in society relative to those with greater resources.
Benefiting from free speech
The analysis draws upon a vast dataset comprising 300,000 individuals from over 90 countries, spanning a period of 40 years. These findings are not contradictory, as individuals with fewer resources may need to prioritize more immediate needs over “luxuries” like free speech. Nevertheless, being part of marginalized populations, they still derive significant advantages from having the freedom to express themselves.
While free speech may be perceived as a luxury good when individuals are asked to rank its importance alongside other factors affecting their well-being, it does not imply that those with fewer resources benefit less from it.
In fact, free speech provides the poor and marginalized with a greater opportunity to publicly voice their concerns and influence decisions. Although it may not be their foremost concern when struggling to make ends meet, they gain substantial benefits from having free speech compared to more affluent groups.
Increasing freedom
In conclusion, the researchers found that increasing freedom of speech in a society simultaneously enhances the subjective well-being of marginalized individuals relative to those with greater resources, despite survey evidence indicating that free speech is perceived as a luxury good.
The study further explores how people value free speech in relation to their income and education levels within their countries, as well as how they prioritize it alongside other societal considerations.
Additionally, the research uncovers other noteworthy findings, including the observation that individuals who value free speech also tend to reside in countries where it is protected. Preferences for free speech vary across different population characteristics, including age, student status, religious affiliation, and political ideology.
Moreover, the study reveals that preferences for free speech are influenced by country-specific circumstances, with individuals in Western countries exhibiting stronger support for free speech compared to other regions of the world.
