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“Why Call It Equality?” Revisited: An Extended Critique of the EIGE Gender Equality Index

Author

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  • Caitlin B. Schmid

    (University of Manchester
    King’s College London)

  • Mark Elliot

    (University of Manchester)

Abstract

In this paper, we review the methodology of one of the most comprehensive indices of gender equality, the Gender Equality Index by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). Building on Permanyer’s (J Eur Soc Policy, 25(4):414–430, 2015) critical analysis, we offer an extended critique of the EIGE’s current methodology, focusing on four interrelated issues: (a) the lack of transparency around the methodological decisions and the concomitant implicit theorising, (b) the continuing over-contribution of the ‘correcting coefficient’ to the index such that it predominantly captures achievement levels rather than gender gaps, (c) problems with the verification process and use of Principal Component Analysis, (d) issues arising from the aggregation and weighting of index components. Our analysis shows that in addition to the use of the correcting coefficient, other methodological choices (such as the use of ratios and geometric means) result in an unjustified penalisation of lower-GDP countries, reinforcing biased assumptions about gender equality progress in more affluent countries vis-á-vis lower-GDP countries in the sample. We call for greater transparency around theory, method and the relationship between the two while also proposing methodological improvements. These changes would bring the EIGE index closer to fulfilling its undoubted potential to provide a nuanced understanding of gender equality levels in the European Union and effectively inform policy development toward social change.

Suggested Citation

  • Caitlin B. Schmid & Mark Elliot, 2023. "“Why Call It Equality?” Revisited: An Extended Critique of the EIGE Gender Equality Index," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 168(1), pages 389-408, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:168:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-023-03126-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-023-03126-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eduardo Bericat, 2012. "The European Gender Equality Index: Conceptual and Analytical Issues," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 108(1), pages 1-28, August.
    2. Inaki Permanyer, 2008. "On the Measurement of Gender Equality and Gender-related Development Levels," Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(1), pages 87-108.
    3. Iñaki Permanyer, 2010. "Erratum to: The Measurement of Multidimensional Gender Inequality: Continuing the Debate," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 97(2), pages 297-297, June.
    4. Iñaki Permanyer, 2010. "The Measurement of Multidimensional Gender Inequality: Continuing the Debate," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 95(2), pages 181-198, January.
    5. Shahra Razavi, 2019. "Indicators as Substitute for Policy Contestation and Accountability? Some Reflections on the 2030 Agenda from the Perspective of Gender Equality and Women's Rights," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 10(S1), pages 149-152, January.
    6. Stephan Klasen & Dana Sch�ler, 2011. "Reforming the Gender-Related Development Index and the Gender Empowerment Measure: Implementing Some Specific Proposals," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(1), pages 1-30, January.
    7. Selin Dilli & Sarah G. Carmichael & Auke Rijpma, 2019. "Introducing the Historical Gender Equality Index," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(1), pages 31-57, January.
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