The Impact Of Socio-Economic Factors And Inequalities On Labour Market Opportunities

In both developing and developed countries of the world, including Hungary, there are significant inequalities in both health status and the spatial distribution of the health system. Regional inequalities are a major challenge, as areas and regions that are disadvantaged are less able to develop and the people living there have fewer opportunities for economic advancement and better living conditions. Widely discussed in the literature that socio-economic status has a significant impact on the health status of a society. Economic and territorial disparities can be found within a municipality, a county, a region, a country, or even across Europe. In our study, we examine territorial and social inequalities in Hungary, with a special focus on economic, educational and health inequalities. We wanted to answer the question of how these factors might affect the lifestyle and labour market opportunities of the population. In this study, we use data from various sources and databases to illustrate the socio-economic differences and their effects in different regions. Research shows that the demographic situation, together with the ageing of societies, has a significant impact on countries’ social security systems, pension systems and health care. Projections in the more advanced EU Member States show an increase in the proportion of people aged eighty-five and over by 2020. Higher educational attainment enhances an individual’s social skills, abilities and capabilities and promotes a healthier lifestyle by managing risks more consciously. Various surveys show that only 50% of high school graduates rate their health as good or particularly good, while for those with tertiary education the figure is close to 75%. There is a direct correlation between income and health status. In poor countries in particular, there is a clear link between income levels and mortality rates. Higher income is often associated with better health. In most EU countries, poor people are much more likely to have poor or extremely poor health.