Income Inequality in the European Union and its relation to health and social problems

Bachelor Thesis , 2013 , 38 Pages , Grade: 1

Business economics - Economic and Social History

Why are health and social problems in the EU related to income inequality within countries, rather than per capita income?

With regard to Wilkinson and Pickett’s studies in “The Spirit Level” (2010), I am demonstrating the relation of health and social problems with income inequality for EU countries and compare the results with the European Social Policy Models described by Boeri (2002) and Sapir (2005).

At least since the “Occupy Wall Street” and the “We are the 99 percent” movements started to dominate newspaper headlines, the problem of unequally allocated disposable income has gained more attention by policy makers around the globe. In reconstruction times following WWII, gains in income have been shared almost equally between income quintile groups until the late 1970s - when the Great Convergence ended.

Politicians and economists have therefore increased their interest in finding other indicators for economic performance rather than only casting an eye on GDP growth. I will thus investigate why health and social problems are far more related to income inequality rather than GDP growth or per capita income. To understand the situation especially in the European Union (EU) I will subsequently explain the underlying circumstances.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Introduction
• Theoretical Background
• Data and Methods
• Empirical Results
  • Descriptive Analysis
  • Clustering of the European Union
• Policy Implications
  • National policies
  • Supranational policies
• Conclusion
• References
  • Bibliography
  • List of abbreviations
  • Data sources
  • List of figures
  • List of tables
  • Appendix:
    • Abstract

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This bachelor thesis aims to investigate the relationship between income inequality and health and social problems within the European Union (EU). It examines whether income inequality, rather than per capita income, is a more significant factor in explaining the prevalence of these problems. The thesis draws upon the work of Wilkinson and Pickett (2010) and analyzes the relationship between income inequality and health and social problems in EU countries, comparing the findings with the European Social Policy Models described by Boeri (2002) and Sapir (2005).

• Income inequality and its impact on health and social problems in the EU
• Comparison of EU countries based on income inequality and social policy models
• Analysis of the relationship between income inequality and health and social problems using empirical data
• Exploration of the role of social mobility in perpetuating income inequality
• Policy implications for addressing income inequality and its consequences

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The introduction provides an overview of the growing concern about income inequality, particularly in the context of the EU. It highlights the importance of considering factors beyond GDP growth and per capita income when assessing economic performance. The chapter also discusses the EU's efforts to address social and territorial cohesion through its Europe 2020 strategy and regional policy initiatives.

The theoretical background chapter delves into the concept of income inequality and its relationship to health and social problems. It explores the work of Wilkinson and Pickett (2010), who argue that income inequality is a significant driver of social gradients within OECD countries. The chapter also examines the role of social mobility in perpetuating income inequality.

The data and methods chapter outlines the data sources and analytical techniques used in the study. It describes the variables used to measure income inequality, health and social problems, and other relevant factors. The chapter also explains the statistical methods employed to analyze the data.

The empirical results chapter presents the findings of the study. It includes a descriptive analysis of income inequality and health and social problems in EU countries, as well as a clustering analysis to group countries based on their similarities in these variables. The chapter also explores the relationship between income inequality and health and social problems, taking into account the different social policy models adopted by EU countries.

The policy implications chapter discusses the findings of the study in the context of policymaking. It examines the potential policy interventions that could be implemented at both the national and supranational levels to address income inequality and its consequences. The chapter also considers the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing these policies.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include income inequality, health and social problems, European Union, social policy models, social mobility, regional disparities, and policy implications. The text examines the relationship between income inequality and health and social problems within the EU, exploring the role of social policy models and social mobility in shaping these outcomes. It also discusses the potential policy interventions that could be implemented to address income inequality and its consequences.

• Grade: 1
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 38
• Catalog Number: V293354
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656908234
• ISBN (Book): 9783656908241
• Language: English
• Tags: Inequality, European, Integration, EU, European Union, Health, Social, Problems, Per, capita, Income, Gini, Coefficient, Descriptive, Analysis, Clustering, national, supranational, policies, Euro, Europe 2020