New survey reveals we are region of caring folk
GREATER Manchester is a region of caring, kind and peaceful people –that’s according to a new study.
Researchers carried out an in-depth survey to measure what people in the region prioritised most in their lives.
They were delighted to find that those interviewed attached greater importance to ‘compassionate’ values – such as social justice, the environment and community – than wealth or social status.
But they found there was a perception gap – with many citizens underestimating their fellow Mancs and believing their neighbours to be more driven by self-interest.
Experts from the Common Cause Foundation say a study carried out back in April revealed a number of misconceptions.
The foundation surveyed 1,184 people across Greater Manchester using a widely-tested survey as part of an ongoing national project to determine what people valued the most.
And they say a lack of faith in the motives of others can hold people back from engaging with their community and even voting.
They are now working with Manchester Museum to show how organisations can work to promote ‘compassionate’ values.
Across the region, 85 per cent of people attach greater importance to ‘compassionate’ values, such as social justice, environmental protection, forgiveness and honesty, than ‘selfish’ values such as wealth and social status.
However, 65 per cent of people thought a typical fellow citizen holds ‘selfish’ values to be more important than they do themselves.
Older people were more likely to value ‘compassionate values’, while women were slightly more likely to value ‘compassionate values’.
Researchers say this misconception about others makes people feel less connected to their community and less concerned about social or environmental challenges facing their area.
Nick Merriman, director of Manchester Museum, said: “We have an opportunity to convey to people the simple truth that most citizens of Greater Manchester care deeply for other people and the places that we live – much more than we currently imagine.”
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham says it is ‘no surprise’ that Greater Mancunians are compassionate and naturally generous.
He said: “From the Manchester traders who took an historic stand against slave-picked cotton in the 19th century, to our refusal to walk past people huddled in doorways in the 21st century, values of social justice, generosity and compassion lie at the heart of our city-region.
“However, while it’s clear that these are values we all share, our perceptions of each other are very different. We need to explore ways to bridge that gap, challenge these perceptions and believe in each other, so together we can build an even greater society.”
The foundation hopes to utilise the goodwill they have identified by signposting people towards positive activities such as volunteering.
The findings of the charity are being placed on display at the Oxford Road museum, which is also staging a series of events to promote the scheme.