Editorial: (Mis)perceptions of inequality as a social issue

Rising economic and social inequalities have become a central concern in contemporary societies. Yet individuals do not often respond to inequalities as they objectively exist, but rather as they are perceived. Understanding how people perceive inequality and how these perceptions diverge from reality is therefore crucial for explaining attitudes toward redistribution, social policy, and social change. This Research Topic brings together interdisciplinary contributions from sociology, psychology, political science, and media studies to explore the origins and consequences of these perceptions and misperceptions. Although the Research Topic adopts a broad understanding of inequality, encompassing both horizontal inequalities (group-based disparities) and vertical inequalities (the distribution of income and wealth), most articles have focused specifically on perceptions of economic inequality, a domain that has also received significant scholarly attention in the past. The 11 articles included in this Research Topic span multiple traditions and methodological approaches, drawing on survey data, experimental designs, and qualitative analyses across diverse national contexts including Europe, South America, and North America. Together, they provide new insights into three interrelated questions: Do individuals misperceive inequality at societal level and their own position in the socioeconomic hierarchy? What factors shape these perceptions? And how do such perceptions influence attitudes, wellbeing, and decision-making?