Do you feel powerless in your daily life? New research finds that an increasing number of Canadians are feeling this way, driven largely by the current economic climate and a growing perception of inequality.

Today in The Conversation Canada, Scott Schieman and Alexander Wilson from the University of Toronto share the latest findings from their national survey tracking Canadians’ perceptions about work and the economy.

Since 2019, Schieman and Wilson have been tracking how Canadians feel about their lives. Their recent round of surveys found that 58 per cent of Canadians are feeling pushed around — a significant jump from 45 per cent in 2019.

This increase goes hand-in-hand with two other findings: more Canadians believe the country is unequal and more believe the cost-of-living is worsening. This combination is creating a “perfect storm for a deteriorating sense of control in everyday life.”

Schieman and Wilson write: “The rising sense of powerlessness among Canadians is a concerning trend that reflects deeper economic and social cleavages. It’s crucial to confront these challenges to improve the overall well-being and mental health of Canadians. Our collective quality of life is at stake.”

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