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Human development and inequalities: The importance of social public spending

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  • Miranda-Lescano, Ronald
  • Muinelo-Gallo, Leonel
  • Roca-Sagales, Oriol

Abstract

In this article, we empirically analyse the impact of social public spending on human development distribution in a sample of 82 developed and developing countries over the period 2010–2021. Specifically, we focus on the impact of the three components of social spending (health, education and social protection) on the distribution of human development as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI) and its dimensions (health, education, and income). Applying data panel analysis, our empirical evidence shows that the three components of social expenditure reduce the loss of HDI caused by inequality. Hence, public resources allocated towards social spending have an important redistributive impact with regards to human development outcomes related to life expectancy, years of schooling and income per capita.

Suggested Citation

  • Miranda-Lescano, Ronald & Muinelo-Gallo, Leonel & Roca-Sagales, Oriol, 2024. "Human development and inequalities: The importance of social public spending," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 363-377.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:streco:v:69:y:2024:i:c:p:363-377
    DOI: 10.1016/j.strueco.2023.12.008
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Human development; Social public expenditure; Inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • H5 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies
    • H51 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Health
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development

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