[#perspective] Inflation : One problem, two attitudes

We have all experienced inflation lately. 

While the British press relates to the cost of living crisis, the French media focus on people’s purchasing power. Just read or watch the news.

The cost of living is a neutral, factual notion; it merely refers to the price of what we buy (or would like to buy). As it increases, we may expect the Brits’ first reaction is and will be to watch out for prices, adapting as well as possible, in a « cool, calm and collected manner » (even if they don’t enjoy the situation).  

The concept of purchasing power is different : it involves our ability of buying things, hence shifts our attention to the notion of affordability. We may expect the French to tackle the situation differently, questioning their financial capacities straight away, which is more stressful.

I will not dwell on « who’s right, who’s wrong » – my purpose here simply is to highlight that very (cultural?) difference, and show how the media may influence people’s understanding and perception of a common situation, on both sides of the Channel.