Q+A with Rebecca Benson

Rebecca joined NZWRI in November 2024 as the Research Development Manager. She completed a PhD in Public Policy at the University of Texas at Austin in May 2015. Her primary research interests are in ageing and housing, with a particular focus on health and equity.

1. What made you choose a career in economics?

I didn't! I chose a career in public policy research. Admittedly it's a space where a lot of economists work, but as well as economics, I use tools from sociology, psychology, communications, and the hard sciences. I chose public policy because it affects all of our lives in so many ways. I love that I can spend my time geeking out on a variety of topics, and it results in better information for the people making policy decisions.

2. Describe a recent project.

I was part of a team exploring the public's views on "culture war" issues in the UK. We collected data in November and December 2020 - just before the UK's second Covid lockdown - and asked questions about some hot button culture war issues of the day. We used latent class analysis -- using patterns of response to lots of survey questions - to segment respondents into different views of inequality.

3. Describe the key results/main findings.

We identified four groups in our respondents, which we categorised as traditionalists, moderates, progressives and disengaged. The largest group were the moderates, making up 32% of the sample.

4. What makes this research impactful?

The media and politicians can make it seem like there are two warring tribes on culture war issues. This research shows that more than half the public hold more nuanced views. Policy makers, and politicians seeking a broader constituency, would benefit from trying to engage the full spectrum of views.

5. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Overly complicated cooking projects; stand-up comedy; improving my deadlift and working towards a pull-up; walking in nature.