Measuring inequality of opportunity across EU-SILC countries: national and urban-rural perspectives

Zbigniew Mogila, Patricia C. Melo, José M. Gaspar

Research output: Working paper

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Abstract

Inequality in individuals’ outcomes resulting from unequal access to opportunities due to differences in individual circumstances, such as family backgroundand/or race, are generally considered to be unfair and ethically unacceptable. Since wealthier individuals and their families tend to live in more affluent areas and mingle with similar more affluent peers, the territorial distribution of inequality of opportunity may partially be viewed as a measure of the extent of spatial (in)justice. One of the ways governments can use to mitigate inequality of opportunity is to improve access to socially valued resources, e.g. education,health.If the spatial distribution of these resources is not equitable, or prevents equitable access to them, persistent or even growing differences in inequality of opportunity may arise. Improving the spatial distribution of socially valued resources can help individuals enhance their socioeconomic prospects, while also increasing the full utilization of territorial capital and, consequently, contribute to greater socioeconomic cohesion. This paper measures the extent of inequality of opportunity at the national level and by degree of urbanization for the countries covered in the survey European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). Emphasis on the degree of urbanization allows exploring whether large(r) cities can act as social elevators compared to smaller urban and rural areas. Using the EU-SILC data, we implement regression models to measurethe percentage of the variation in individual’slabour income that is due to family background, namely, the education, occupation and activity status of parents, and household financial situation. Our results indicate substantialvariation in inequality of opportunity ranging from 4% (Iceland) to 25% (Luxemburg). In addition, the distinction between more liberal economies and the rest of the countries is seen with the formermore income unequal, however, with the smaller impact of family-related factors on individual’s income. Moreover, the findings suggest that cities, especially larger ones, do not seem to work as social elevators and may in fact benefit individuals with a better family background.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationLisboa
PublisherUniversidade de Lisboa
Number of pages23
Publication statusPublished - May 2020

Publication series

NameREM Working Paper Series
PublisherInstituto Superior de Economia e Gestão da Universidade de Lisboa
No.0135
ISSN (Electronic)2184-108X

Keywords

  • Income inequality
  • Inequality of opportunity
  • EU-SILC microdata

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