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Minimum wages and health: evidence from European countries

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  • Laetitia Lebihan

    (University of Reunion Island)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of minimum wage on health, well-being, and income security in European countries. The empirical strategy consists of exploiting variations in the minimum wage across European countries over time. We show that minimum wage increases improve individuals’ self-reported health and income security. Minimum wage increases also improve life satisfaction and happiness. The effects are largest among women, employed individuals, married individuals, and those with less than a secondary education. Our results are robust to several robustness checks and consistent with existing evidence on the relationship between minimum wage and health.

Suggested Citation

  • Laetitia Lebihan, 2023. "Minimum wages and health: evidence from European countries," International Journal of Health Economics and Management, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 85-107, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ijhcfe:v:23:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10754-022-09340-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10754-022-09340-x
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    2. Sören Dallmeyer & Christoph Breuer, 2024. "The introduction of a minimum wage in Germany and the effects on physical activity participation," International Journal of Health Economics and Management, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 211-229, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Minimum wage; Health; European countries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy

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