Crisis of institutional confidence: the impact of economic characteristics on democratic perception and transparency in Peru

Introduction: This study explores how the economic characteristics of Peruvian citizens affect their perception of democracy, transparency, and institutional governance. Methodology: We used data from the National Household Survey (ENAHO) between 2014 and 2021. Statistical techniques included Chi² tests, ANOVA, and multinomial logit models to examine relationships between monetary poverty, income levels, and citizen perceptions. Results: People in poverty reported lower knowledge of democracy (17,5% vs. 47,3% of non-poor) and a more negative perception of its functioning. Significant differences were found between urban (62,7% aware of democracy) and rural areas (31,5%). Higher-income individuals showed greater democratic understanding but also more frequent involvement in corrupt practices. Conclusions: Monetary poverty and regional disparities limit access to information, reduce civic participation, and erode institutional trust. Efforts should focus on strengthening civic education and transparency mechanisms, particularly in vulnerable and rural communities.