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Objective and Subjective Health: An Analysis of Inequality for the European Union

Author

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  • Enrico Ivaldi

    (University of Genova)

  • Guido Bonatti

    (University of Genova)

  • Riccardo Soliani

    (University of Genova)

Abstract

In advanced societies, the right to health has a leading position within the instruments enshrined in the human rights. All countries, including those at the top of economic prosperity and human development, record systematic, often substantial, inequalities in mortality and morbidity between people with higher socio-economic position and poorer citizens. This also applies to the welfare states of western Europe. This work proposes two indicators of “objective” and “subjective” health for EU countries and verifies their relationship with income distribution. In the emerging picture, the “objective” and “subjective” dimensions seem to have their own explanations, affected variously by income differences. The results provide useful hints for social and health policy in European countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Enrico Ivaldi & Guido Bonatti & Riccardo Soliani, 2018. "Objective and Subjective Health: An Analysis of Inequality for the European Union," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 138(3), pages 1279-1295, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:138:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s11205-017-1686-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-017-1686-1
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    4. Jun Zhang & Jinchen Xie & Xinyi Zhang & Jianke Yang, 2022. "Income, Social Capital, and Subjective Well-Being of Residents in Western China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-11, July.
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    7. Xiaoxing Ran & Tiange Huang & Gong Chen, 2022. "Subjective Socioeconomic Status, Class Mobility and Health Disparities of Older People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, October.

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