Subjective Socioeconomic Status and Help-Seeking Styles Among Filipino Workers: The Mediating Role of Perceived Legitimacy of Income Inequality

Abstract: Persistent income inequality in the Philippines shapes the subjective socioeconomic status (SES) of economically vulnerable Filipino workers, or their perceived position within the socioeconomic hierarchy, as well as their beliefs about the legitimacy of income inequality. These perceptions may influence how workers cope with socioeconomic challenges, including whether they seek help for immediate relief or pursue forms of support that improve their long-term socioeconomic standing. A total of 512 working adults participated in the study. The findings showed that perceived legitimacy of income inequality mediated the relationship between subjective SES and help-seeking orientation. Specifically, higher subjective SES was associated with lower perceived legitimacy of income inequality, which, in turn, predicted greater autonomy-oriented help-seeking. In contrast, lower subjective SES was associated with higher perceived legitimacy of income inequality, which, in turn, predicted greater dependency-oriented help-seeking. These findings extend the literature on social class and help-seeking by demonstrating that perceived legitimacy of income inequality serves as a psychological mechanism linking subjective SES with distinct help-seeking orientations. More broadly, the study advances understanding of how subjective perceptions of social position shape beliefs about inequality and, consequently, preferences for different forms of assistance.