How Do Rich Young People Experience Social Inequality and What Do They Know About Poverty and Wealth?

ABSTRACT Social inequality shapes society and influences how children grow up. This study explores how wealthy young individuals in Germany perceive social inequality, focusing on their awareness of both wealth and poverty. In‐depth interviews revealed that their understanding of poverty is relatively simplified, shaped largely by a lack of direct contact with those affected. While they have greater insight into the experience of growing up privileged, they do not identify as wealthy themselves and often express discomfort when reflecting on social disparities. Their views are shaped by personal experiences, such as encounters at school or in their social spaces, which often lead to negative attributions regarding wealth. Regarding poverty, attributions tend to emphasise material deprivation and draw on common social narratives. The findings suggest that interactions between adolescents from different socio‐economic backgrounds should be facilitated with care, as discussions around inequality can provoke discomfort and defensiveness.