Structural reforms are urgently needed as the world grapples with low growth, demographic shifts, and challenges related to the green and technological transitions. However, reform efforts have waned in recent years amid rising public resistance. Chapter 3 delves into the social acceptability of structural reforms, exploring the drivers of public attitudes and the effectiveness of various strategies to increase support. It finds that resistance often stems from perceptions, misinformation, and trust deficits rather than economic self-interest. The chapter shows that information strategies that raise awareness of the need for reform and correct misperceptions about how policies work can boost support. Effective strategies must be backed by strong institutional frameworks that foster trust and a two-way dialogue among stakeholders and the public. Expanding policymaking toolkits to incorporate citizens’ views can lead to greater social acceptance and successful implementation of reforms.
Chapter 3: Understanding the Social Acceptability of Structural Reforms