The evolution of inequality of opportunity in Europe. Issue 4 (23rd February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brzezinski, Michal
• Is Part Of: Applied economics letters. Volume 27:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 262
• Page End: 266
• Publication Date: 2020-02-23
• Subjects: Inequality of opportunity -- income inequality -- childhood circumstances -- family background -- immigrants; D63 -- E24 -- O52 -- O15; Economics -- Periodicals; Economics, Mathematical -- Periodicals; 330
• DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2019.1613493
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4851

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The paper tests whether inequality of opportunity (IO) in Europe has increased between 2004 and 2010. IO is understood as unfair inequality due to circumstances beyond individual control (such as family background, race or sex). We show that over 2004–2010 IO increased significantly in Austria, Greece and Spain, while it decreased in Poland and Portugal. Relative IO (ratio of IO to overall income inequality) has grown in Austria, Belgium, Greece and Norway. In Greece, several social groups with an immigrant background have experienced sizable declines an opportunity for income acquisition.