Who Benefits From Ideas Engagement? Findings From A Seven-Country Study

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Abstract

This paper investigates the social, cognitive, and demographic predictors of effective ideas engagement, building on the theoretical model introduced in Paper 1. Using cross-national survey data, it identifies distinct typologies of engagement shaped by personal and contextual factors. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) are used to analyse variation across mindsets, networks, and educational backgrounds. The study draws on data from a 7-country European survey of 7,000 adults, examining how variables such as education, occupation, and social cohesion influence engagement. Results reveal that individuals with strong critical thinking skills and diverse social networks are more effectively engaged with ideas, whereas those with low education and homophilic networks are more susceptible to misinformation and disengagement.

Author

• Ruth Luzmore, University of Southampton