Abstract
AbstractAn important dimension of inequality in mortality is regional variation. However, studies that investigate regional mortality patterns within and between national and regional borders are rare. We carry out a comparative study of Finland and Sweden: two welfare states that share many attributes, with one exception being their mortality trajectories. Although Finland has risen rapidly in the global life expectancy rankings, Sweden has lost its historical place among the top 10. Using individual‐level register data, we study regional trends in life expectancy and lifespan variation by sex. Although all regions, in both countries, have experienced substantial improvements in life expectancy and lifespan inequality from 1990–2014, considerable differences between regions have remained unchanged, suggesting the existence of persistent inequality. In particular, Swedish‐speaking regions in Finland have maintained their mortality advantage over Finnish‐speaking regions. Nevertheless, there is some evidence of convergence between the regions of Finland and Sweden.
Highlights
One of the most important indicators of human development is how long people live (UNDP, 2017)
Improvements in Finnish life expectancy have led to Finland rising in the global rankings for national life expectancy, as opposed to Sweden, which has fallen from its position as a global leader (Drefahl et al, 2014)
This study has shown that regional inequalities in length of life can be extremely persistent, even in a context where life expectancy is high and continually improving
Summary
One of the most important indicators of human development is how long people live (UNDP, 2017). At least in part, by examining whether the differences in life expectancy between countries are growing or shrinking (Marmot, 2005). Within-country inequalities in life expectancy are indicators of national development, societal fairness, and social justice (Marmot et al, 2010). It is well-known that comparisons of mortality within countries can paint a different picture from comparisons between countries, not least because “national mortality rates can mask significant regional variations” (Shaw, Orford, Brimblecombe, & Dorling, 2000, p.1055). Regional differences are of vital importance to the study of mortality inequalities because these differences reflect variation in individual characteristics across local populations and variation in contextual factors such as social cohesion, physical infrastructures, Popul Space Place.
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