Six out of ten Catalans are forced to buy cheaper products than they would like.

In many homes, families must scramble to make ends meet, and the precarious situation of jobs and insufficient income often leads to daily sacrifices. One of the biggest cuts is in the shopping basket: six out of ten residents admit to having cut back on food spending by choosing products on sale or reducing their consumption of meat, fish, or fruit. This is evidenced by Living inequality 2025, the report published this Tuesday by Oxfam Intermón on inequalities in Spain.

In addition to resigning themselves to buying less healthy food, one in four people has had to ask family members or charities for money to cover their basic needs. Furthermore, 40% of those surveyed do not have the savings to cover an unexpected expense of 600 euros, and four in ten cannot afford to go on vacation. The coordinator of the Oxfam Intermón report, Ernesto García, asserts that this problem, far from being an isolated situation, is a reality that is increasingly present in households. "Some cuts related to basic products, such as food, leisure activities, or access to certain social and health services, are becoming chronic," he states.

Women, young people, and people of color are the most affected.

Despite the progress made by the Spanish government in the labor market—such as the increase in the minimum wage—37% of the population says they would need a second job to cover their expenses. A third of Catalans believe their income does not allow them to live a decent life, and this figure is even more pronounced among women, people of color, and young people. According to the report, 60% of women have cut back on their spending on leisure and cultural activities, and half of people of color have reduced their consumption of fresh produce. Young people are even more affected by these financial struggles than older people: more than 60% have had to tighten their belts to meet their basic needs.

Housing as the main concern

For the first time, housing is positioned as the main source of inequality according to Catalans, even above the economy. 73% of renters feel directly affected by the housing crisis, and less than 15% see the likelihood of becoming homeowners. Once again, this problem affects less-privileged groups more directly, and the population points to public authorities, the tax system, and the accumulation of wealth as the main culprits.

However, those surveyed remain optimistic: six out of ten believe that inequalities can be eradicated. The Oxfam Intermón report reflects citizens' desire to change things, and also their call to reverse the situation by guaranteeing access to housing and improving wages and the quality of employment.