Public view on the social dimension of Europe 2020

The Europe 2020 strategy has been analyzed from a political, economic, and social point of view. This thesis provides more insights on the attitudinal perspective of the social dimension of Europe 2020. What is the public opinion on the poverty reduction target of the Europe 2020 strategy and what are its determinants? A cross-sectional design using three Eurobarometer data sets will be used to revisit established theories on the determinants of individual opinion formation. The results confirm the self-interest argumentation of rational choice theory, the ideological consistency theory, and the welfare regime typology. However, the thermostatic model developed by Wlezien could not be confirmed. Finally, recommendations for future research are proposed.